PARRAMATTA LINKS TO LEARNING

November 2011

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Speaker Background

• My name is Quek

• Coordinator of Parramatta Links to Learning since Sept 2008

• Have run a total of 12 programs in that time

• YWCA NSW has been delivering the program in Parramatta LGA for over 15 years

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YWCA NSW approach

• Create positive attitude

• Make learning easy

• Show them we care

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So How ?

To make them feel at ease & overcome barriers to learning

We …..• Provide bright comfortable clean setting

with casual style seating configuration

• Greet and welcome participants

• Meet basic physical needs – food, fare

• Address barriers to learning

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To make learning easy but not dumb down training

We.....• Minimize book learning and have “No homework” policy

• Emphasize visual learning which requires attendance & punctuality

• Encourage discussion, share experience and role play -

which ensures understanding of content & knowledge retention

• Provide support for completing assessments - offering

option of written or oral evidence of competency

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The YWCA program

• Retail training at Certificate 2 level

• Why? Good prospect for future employment; Level of training accepted as part of Yr 10 education; & Often matches interest of disengaged young people

• Commitment - 10 weeks

• Content comprises 14 modules with 1 week work placement. Hence, it is fast pace training

• Participants must look for work placement as practice of skills and knowledge acquired at training

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Program Frequency

• 4 training programs per year

• To minimize distraction by former school mates, training period is timed to coincide with school term

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• Participant receives Retail Certificate 2

• Nationally accredited qualification because of

high quality training

• Provides foundation to pursue diploma in retail

• Also enables going back to education in school, TAFE or other pathways

On Completion of all assessments and Minimum 70% attendance

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Snap shot of Program success

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What underpinned success?

• In addition to those already discussed under YWCA NSW’s approach to running the program, extensive net working and good working relationship with schools and service agencies were also important contributing factors

• Ongoing communication with referral agency to update learning progress and discussion of issues confronting participant

• Can be deputy principal, career advisor or head teacher if referral from school

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Networking and relationship statistics

• Net work of 13 schools

• 23 service agencies & community groups

• Representing over 100 contacts within 5km radius of Parramatta

• Receives electronic flyers twice per program & 4 programs each year

• Hence, program has extensive reach of disengaged young people

• From this network, developed strong working relationship with 2 schools and 3 service agencies

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Application Process

• Participants respond to newspaper advertisements, word of mouth and electronic flyers sent to schools, service agencies and community groups

• At enrolment interview, aim of training, behavior code, YWCA NSW policy and commitment requirements are explained

• Candidate is also given information of course content, delivery methods and training time, and assured of support to overcome any barriers to learning

• Candidate will only be enrolled once they have been assessed as understanding requirements of program and after they have signed an agreement

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School Responsibilities• Allocate school contact person to facilitate good working relationship and communication – can be Deputy Principal, Head Teacher or Careers Advisor

• Provide details of education experience of referrals so YWCA NSW can be more effective in helping young person overcome barriers to learning

• Point out current issues of student in school

• Share strategies to manage difficult behavior

• Make paperwork easy by providing referral with release letter when attending enrolment interview

• Provide feedback on student progress after returning to school

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Thank you for listening