A SEED of change has been planted in the fields of Braybrook's Quang Minh Temple as 30 unemployed youths begin their careers in horticulture.
The western suburbs youths will spend 26 weeks at the site, putting in an average of 25 hours a week for hands-on work experience and accredited training as part of a National Green Jobs Corps project.
The initiative is co-ordinated by Max Employment and driven by a federal government training program that will result in them graduating with a certificate II in horticulture.
Max Employment program co-ordinator Annette Anderson said it would give the participants a chance to progress into paid positions in the industry and learn valuable people skills.
"We want employers to look at these kids and the work they do and help them find some employment," she said. "It's good that the community is getting together to back these kids, and they're a great bunch of kids."
Lily Noonan, 21, said she saw the program as a "kickstart" to getting her career on track - and in a supportive environment. "It's really good, and enjoyable. It's been great to work with a range of people."
Ms Noonan wanted to pursue a career in conservation and believed the program offered her the tools needed to cultivate her skills.
For Quang Minh spokesman Tony Le-Nguyen, the initiative helps give new life to the temple's grounds.
"This land was originally quite damaged when we set up [the temple]. That's why revegetation is so important to us," he said.
Ms Anderson said the program was designed to help youths who had experienced difficulties in securing
ongoing employment and assimilating into the community.
"Some of them [the students] come from cyclical unemployment and some have learning difficulties.
"One student had trouble making eye contact before he started, now [one month in] he's shovelling cement and smiling."
Last Updated on Thursday, 12 August 2010 20:46