Donations of business attire is being sought to assist Cardinia’s young people break into the job market.
Cardinia Shire Council is calling on local professionals to donate pre-loved, interview-appropriate clothing to its Spare Change program for young people to wear to interviews.
Cardinia Shire Council’s team leader of youth services, Emma Firth, said the program, which commenced in March, aimed to help young people to feel confident when they go into job or TAFE interviews.
“Speaking to young people, we found that they were successfully lining up a job interview or TAFE interview, but were then faced with the challenge of not having a suitable outfit to wear and not having the funds to go out and buy something,” Ms Firth said.
She said wearing an appropriate outfit to a job interview helped build the self-confidence required to make a good first impression.
“When young people turn up to interviews looking the part, it sends a message to a potential employer that they are serious about the position, which can increase their chances of gaining employment or a place in their course,” Ms Firth said.
Young people up to the age of 25 years are invited to call My Place Youth Facility on 1800 4 YOUTH (1800 4 96224) to organise a time to come in and access an outfit, which they will then be able to keep.
People who are able to donate quality business attire can call or visit My Place Youth Facility at 5-7 Main Street, Pakenham.
