Self-esteem boost for disadvantaged job seekers
07 September 2010
Around 20 long–term unemployed young women will be treated to a make-over on Thursday to assist in building their self esteem and improve their chances of gaining employment.
The event was held for the second time last year with 16 of the 19 participants
achieving positive outcomes – including many securing employment while others began studying in order to achieve their goals.
BacLinks, a division of Karingal which educates, supports and creates opportunities for business and community to engage with each other for mutual benefits, runs the event in partnership with Quiksilver and the Quiksilver Foundation.
Like last year, the day includes a ‘work wear’ workshop that aims to educate the event participants and raise their self esteem.
“We hope the girls will benefit just as much this year as those who participated last year. We are very proud to see that they have gone on and achieved great outcomes for themselves,” BacLinks Manager Sheree Holdsworth said.
“Thanks to the generous support of the Geelong community and various businesses, we have been overwhelmed with donations of clothing, shoes, jewellery, handbags and other fashion accessories.”
‘Dare to Succeed’ is sponsored by the Quiksilver Foundation, which exists to support community endeavours in the areas of youth, education, health and the environment.
Quiksilver staff are donating their time as part of their employee volunteer program – Go MAD (Go Make a Difference) which enables staff to take up to two days of paid volunteer leave each year,” Quiksilver Human Resources Manager Leanne Perryman said. “Staff were quick to put up their hands to be involved once again due to the success of the event last year.”
The September 15 event will involve up to 20 young women from disadvantaged backgrounds who are invited to Quiksilver Head Office and taken through a series of workshops with mentors from the Quiksilver team.
It is anticipated that the majority of participants would have left school early and come from a range of social and educational circumstances that pose significant barriers to seeking and gaining employment.
Workshops include advice on interview skills, personal presentation (including the selection of work appropriate clothing and assistance with hair and makeup) and self esteem and confidence.
ENDS
Information: Contact BacLinks Manager Sheree Holdsworth on 5249 8989 or Communications Officer Lisa Foreman on 0448 898 730. Photos of past events are available through BacLinks and photo opportunities will be available on the day of the event upon request.