It can be tough for teenagers who aren't interested in school to find employment in the Eurobodalla Shire, says Senior Constable Greg Curry of South Coast PCYC.
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Through a 10-week program, Mr Curry hoped to set up students from Batemans Bay and Moruya High schools with the right skills to get them a job.
By the end of PCYC's Fit for Work program, 10 participants will obtain their white card, first aid certificate and basic construction skills.
"The aim of the program is to get the participants job ready, gaining work experience and eventually full time employment at the end of the program," Mr Curry said.
"Once the program finishes, we will continue to work with the group for the next 12 months until they gain employment."
This term's Fit 4 Work program has focussed on the theme of construction.
"There's a bit of a boom with construction around the bridge and bushfire recovery which is where jobs will be at the moment," Mr Curry said.
Recently, participants took the opportunity to use their new skills and give back to the community with the donation and assembly of a cubby house at Mogo Public School.
Mr Curry said it was an excellent day had by all, finishing with a friendly soccer match with students.
The group also took the time to learn about culture at Bawley Point.
"Majority of the kids in the program are Indigenous, and there is a cultural facet of the program," Mr Curry said.
"We took them to Bawley Point to meet local Yuin men Joe Brierly and Adrian Andy who gave a talk on country and the cultural significance of the area which the whole group really enjoyed."
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Through the program, participants also receive support with computer skills, resumes, english and maths: "Everything necessary to help them on the work site."
"We have been targeting kids who are disengaged from school, and some slightly older who have left school but needed support to find employment," Mr Curry said.
"It's our goal to help them get meaningful work.
"They have been really keen; some are still enrolled in school and others just want to be out there working."
Another Fit 4 Work program will run in term four, with a focus on a different job industry.
Mr Curry said PCYC continues to work with schools and agencies to help "break the cycle of long term unemployment".
"It has been tricky for kids," he said.
The program started on February 2, and has run every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am-4pm. The group's graduation was set for April 1.
Any businesses willing to help youth of the program with employment or work experience, get in touch with Greg Curry on 0447421319 or curr1gre@police.nsw.gov.au.
