Workshops help youth rise to new challenges

The region’s youngsters are encouraged to get involved in more Shire of Augusta-Margaret River youth workshops which start next week designed to help them upskill for future careers.

The new program comes off the back of a whopping $74,536 Lotterywest grant to develop the shire’s Resilient Innovative Skilled Employed program of free and accessible workshop and training options.

The RISE project coincides with the shire’s review of its Strengthening Youth plan.

After pop-up consultation at last weekend’s Cowaramup Easter Fair, young people will be canvassed again at next Friday’s Margaret River Youth Festival and at a proposed youth summit on May 3 during the Margaret River Pro’s Healthy Habits program of events.

Meanwhile, RISE aims to help the region’s youth prepare for the workforce in the face of global changes, identifying pathways and emerging careers.

RISE co-ordinator Katie Taylor, from the shire’s community development office, said the program was designed to give younger residents “the skills and confidence to turn their passions into dream careers”.

“RISE will provide opportunities for local young people to explore a wide range of professions and careers they may not otherwise think about or know how to pursue,” she said.

“By providing a way for young people to enhance their skills and broaden their horizons, we hope to improve their access to jobs and volunteer opportunities, and to help pave the way towards the development of some new business ventures.”

Some of those opportunities may be with businesses and community groups.

Ms Taylor identified skate ramp construction with the Concrete Club and Cowaramup Men’s Shed, making clothes with Woven Cowaramup and local short-story writing, podcasting, multimedia, mountain-bike trail building and event planning as other options.

At RISE illustration and graphic design workshops on Tuesday at the Margaret River Youth Precinct, artist Kaiman will run a workshop between 9.30am and 11.30am.

“At this workshop, youth will learn to progress their drawing skills and will also have the chance to hear about how Kaiman turned his love of graphic art into a career,” Ms Taylor said.

The artist will work with young people on a mural in a design workshop during the youth week festival.

Bookings are essential and open to residents aged 14 to 25.

To get involved, phone 9780 5255 or email communitydevelopmen t@amrshire.wa.gov.au.

For more about RISE, see www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/ RISE.