btg today

Reference: BTG Today (November 2014).Docx

Last Updated: 13/11/2014 12:08 PM

BTG Today

November 2014

We put people into work.

Our Vision

Empowering people, building communities

Our Mission

To bridge the gap and build communities by

empowering disadvantaged and disenfranchised

individuals to build their self sufficiency through

social inclusion, practical training and enhanced

employment opportunities.

BTG Today (November 2014).Docx of 28

Vision, Mission & Values .......................................................................................................................... 4

Vision ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Mission .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Values ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

Planning Process ............................................................................................................................................ 4

Objectives ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

About BTG ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

What we do ................................................................................................................................................... 5

How we work ................................................................................................................................................. 5

Our Board ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Evan Parker Chairman ...................................................................................................................................................................6

Wayne Milnes Deputy Chair...........................................................................................................................................................6

Brad Dean Treasurer .....................................................................................................................................................................6

Colin Kerr Secretary and Chief Executive Officer ...........................................................................................................................7

Les Hayward Director .....................................................................................................................................................................7

Sue Slavin Director .........................................................................................................................................................................8

Donna Gordin Director ...................................................................................................................................................................8

Marina Vergone Director ..............................................................................................................................................................9

Dale Kerferd Director ....................................................................................................................................................................9

Tracey Loubser Director ..............................................................................................................................................................10

Our Management Team ......................................................................................................................... 11

Colin Kerr Chief Executive Officer ................................................................................................................................................11

Kay Masters Manager – Training & Community ........................................................................................................................11

Andy Wahid Manager – Business Development ..........................................................................................................................11

Jane McWhirter Manager – Employment Services ......................................................................................................................12

Ryan Kim Manager – Finance & Support Services ........................................................................................................................12

Peter Bird Manager - Ngulla Training & Community Centre........................................................................................................13

Our Programs and Services .................................................................................................................. 14

Academy for Community Employment ....................................................................................................... 14

ASPIRE .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Crossing Point .............................................................................................................................................. 15

Coaching Young People for Success ............................................................................................................ 15

Disability Employment Services ................................................................................................................... 16

Dismantle Bike Restoration Partnership Project ......................................................................................... 16

FUELLS ......................................................................................................................................................... 17


Job Services Australia (JSA).......................................................................................................................... 17

Life Long Learning Centre (Training & Career Development) ..................................................................... 17

Ngulla Training & Community Centre.......................................................................................................... 18

Remote Youth Leadership & Development Corps ....................................................................................... 18

Teen Parent’s Program ................................................................................................................................ 19

Youth Connections ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Good News Stories & Case Studies ..................................................................................................... 20

CASE STUDY – ASPIRE Barista Training ........................................................................................................ 20

To demonstrate strategies we have undergone with the support of the LAG and LEC (Margaret Banks) to address a priority

cohort (teen parents) in Kwinana as well as demonstrating our knowledge of immediate labour needs (Barista vacancies) in

our PEA. .......................................................................................................................................................................................20

CASE STUDY - JSA Clients/ Bestwest Care ................................................................................................... 21

Demonstrates our ability to address an identified labour market need and work with a partner RTO to proactively up-skill and

place over 15 clients from two emerging cohorts (parents returning to work and mature aged workers) into work, as well as

demonstrating post placement support. .....................................................................................................................................21

CASE STUDY - Academy ............................................................................................................................... 22

To demonstrate our collaborative and innovative approach to addressing barriers within a priority employment area

(Kwinana) and our connections with local employers (BGC) to achieve outcomes. ....................................................................22

CASE STUDY - Skills Development / Crossing Point ..................................................................................... 23

To demonstrate an innovative approach to developing skills, citizenship and transition using experiential learning and

harnessing BTG’s international partnerships. ..............................................................................................................................23

CASE STUDY - Skills Development ............................................................................................................... 24

To demonstrate the effective engagement and case management of our youth cohort and the use of alternative education

programs such as FUELLS to overcome multiple barriers to learning. .........................................................................................24

CASE STUDY - Indigenous Employment Program ........................................................................................ 25

To demonstrate our success in addressing indigenous unemployment within our ESA. .............................................................25

Office Locations ........................................................................................................................................ 27


Vision, Mission & Values

Vision

Empowering People, Building Communities

Mission

To bridge the gap and build communities by empowering disadvantaged and disenfranchised individuals to

build their self sufficiency through social inclusion, practical training and enhanced employment

opportunities.

Values

Caring for clients, employees and communities.

Innovation welcoming, anticipating and responding creatively to change

Teamwork working cooperatively with our clients, employers, partners and communities for the

mutual benefit of all

Challenge to challenge our clients, our communities and ourselves to be the best we can be

Empowerment recognising that our strength comes from developing strength in others

Planning Process

Our mission guides our objectives. Our objectives are achieved by addressing critical success factors. Our

critical success factors are measured by key performance indicators. Our key performance indicators

measure our success in relation to our internal and external stakeholders and processes.

Objectives

1. Transitioning People Into Employment

2. Excellence In Service Delivery

3. Business Development

4. Long Term Sustainability

5. Corporate Governance


About BTG

What we do

For 30 years Bridging the Gap (BTG) has been firmly embedded in WA’s local communities providing a

diverse range of Federal and State funded programs to deliver employment, career development and

training services through partnerships with community based organisations across the Perth to Peel region.

With offices in Rockingham, Kwinana, Spearwood, Wembley, Mandurah and an award winning community

nursery and training facility in Casuarina (Ngulla Training & Community Centre), BTG aims to develop and

grow people and communities by providing caring and innovative lifelong learning and development

opportunities and employment services.

Annually, over 8000 people access BTG’s range of employment and community services and BTG has a track

record of consistently achieving outcomes for our clients. With regards to our major contracts BTG is

currently in the top 10 per cent of providers nationally for JSA delivery and the only Perth based agency

awarded a five star rating from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Additionally, BTG boasts the highest commencement and outcome rates for Youth Connections delivery in

Western Australia.

How we work

The majority of BTG’s clients are referred to our services through Centrelink and other Government

agencies and contacts. In addition, BTG promote a strong community presence and continually engage the

youth and community members in the areas in which we operate through a variety of activities. For

example, our Mobile Careers Bus is a state of the art mobile facility providing clients with access to the

latest career development software and online career support for metropolitan and regional high schools,

job services providers, youth agencies, businesses and industry.


Our Board

Evan Parker

Chairman

Evan was elected to the position of Chairman at the 2012 Annual General Meeting on

October 15th, having served as Vice Chair from October 2010-2011. He is an Accountant

and consultant in Finance, Training and Employment to State and Local Government

clients. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from UWA; is a Fellow of CPA Australia

and an Associate of the Australian Institute of Management.

Evan spent a decade in the Banking Industry before joining TAFE to lecture in Accounting,

Commercial Law and Management and then to become an Academic Administrator in a

range of city and country colleges. Evan held a variety of Senior positions in TAFE

including Navy Training Manager, Director of Business Development, Chief Financial

Officer and Director of IT and Business.

Wayne Milnes

Deputy Chair

Wayne has a wealth o f experience in the finance and commercial sectors, having spent

30 plus years with National Australia Bank, 15 of those in the position of Commercial

Business Manager.

Wayne retired from the banking industry in 2009 to spend time with his lovely wife

Suzanne, enjoying golf and basketball – a sport he has been dedicated to for 36 years.

In 2012, Wayne re-joined the workforce on a part-time basis as a Business Agent for

Harcourt Real Estate in Kwinana and is also a West Australian Consultant for Melbourne

Company Mortgagee Services.

Brad Dean

Treasurer

Brad joined the board of Bridging the Gap in 2011 and is the current Treasurer and a

member of the Audit & Risk committee.

Living in the region for 19 years, Brad has been an active member of the community

holding executive positions on The South Coast Regional Chambers of Commerce, The

Rockingham Community Bank, and numerous smaller local organisations.

Brad is a director of local accounting firm, BDR Business Accountants and is a current

member of the CPA Australia’s –WA Public Practice Committee.

Outside of work Brad is heavily involved with the Variety Bash which is an annual event

which raises and distributes much needed funds for needy and disadvantaged children.


Colin Kerr

Secretary and Chief Executive Officer

Colin serves as both the Secretary to the Board of Directors and the CEO of Bridging the

Gap. Having worked in the community and employment sectors for many years, Colin

has partnered with a number of community organisations and his passion to support

young people is evidenced by the variety of initiatives he has implemented.

Les Hayward

Director

Les is a business and personal risk & wealth management specialist with over 20 year’s

corporate, financial services, mortgage, risk and wealth management industry

experience. Commencing his corporate career in 1991 after serving several years in the

Australian Defence Force, Les has worked in various senior executive roles servicing both

the private & federal government sector including Defence & Foreign government

installations, HQADF, ASIO, Canberra Airport & US Embassy, as well as various national

roles in strategy, business development, risk management, training & operations

management.

In 2005 Les commenced working in the finance sector and in 2009 decided to transition

into his own Practice, establishing Prosperity Wealth Management & Niche Wealth

Management - both authorised representatives of Elders Financial Planning Pty Ltd. As a

Director of Prosperity & Niche Wealth Management Les and his team work intimately

with private and business clients to identify and understand their business and personal

financial goals and aspirations.

Les’s dedication and commitment to his customers was recognised in October 2013

when he was awarded the Elders Financial Planning "Practice of the Year Award".


Sue Slavin

Director

Sue is delighted to share her wealth of skills and knowledge with Bridging the Gap and

accepted a position on the Board in July, 2013.

For nine years Sue served as the Chief Executive Officer of one of Perth’s largest public

training organisations, West Coast Institute, where she was responsible for leading the

repositioning of the institute from a single campus facing serious financial issues, to the

thriving future focussed organisation it is today. More recently Sue opened her own

Strategic Leadership Consulting and Coaching business, specialising in strategic

leadership; building resilient, future focussed organisational cultures; coaching for peak

performance and to achieve professional goals; developing business relationships with

China; government liaison; public speaking and building effective networks.

Sue is a member of the Australia China Business Council WA Executive Committee and

Chair of the ACBC WA China Relationships Committee. In addition she is a board member

of Workpower, former Deputy Chair of TAFE Directors Australia and a WA finalist in the

Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

Donna Gordin

Director

Donna’s career spans a variety of Industry’s including Mining, Hospitality and now Real

Estate since 1994.

She has owned and run a small business since 2005 where she trains and employs local

people in the Rockingham region. Donna understands the needs and day to day

challenges of managing staff, compliance and budgets that all small business owners deal

with.

Donna has been actively involved in politics since 2008. Her passion for politics saw her

endorsed as a Candidate in both the 2010 and 2013 Federal Elections. While

unsuccessful in her in campaign to win, the local community benefited as a result. Her

passion to assist Grandparents raising Grandchildren helped initiate a Senate Enquiry

which has now concluded and made recommendations that could change the lives of

those in full time care and those caring for their Grandchildren around the nation. Donna

was able to assist BTG in securing a Green Army Project.

Donna believes that families and the elderly deserve to live in communities that are safe

and have job opportunities for their children and grandchildren. Donna is dedicated to

improving the quality of life for all local residents and encourages those that can to give

back to community where possible

She is connected to the local community through her fundraising for NFP groups, and an

active member of the both BNI and the Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce.


Marina Vergone

Director

Married with three sons, Marina has lived and worked in the Mandurah community for

over 19 years. Her family name is well known for over 70 years with many beautiful fruit

orchards found throughout the Peel Region. Whilst working in the family business

Marina also became a qualified Level 1 Boxing Coach at the local PCYC. She thrives on

keeping busy and giving back to my community and in 2013 her campaign for the

position of Mayor for City of Mandurah was successful.

When she is not busy with council duties she enjoys a round of golf and partaking in the

fabulous lifestyle that Mandurah has to offer.

Dale Kerferd

Director

Dale Kerferd is the Managing Director of Sound International Pty Ltd. – publishers of RMK

Directories Rockingham, Mandurah Kwinana and At Home in Perth WA, an online agency

for short-term accommodation in private homes.

Sound International Pty Ltd was established in 1985 as a public relations based company

and for Dale this was a natural progression from her career as a journalist and managing

editor, which began in 1970. During the next 27 years, Dale’s career spanned a wide area

of the media and public relations industry.

She established the Rockingham Community Directory in 1986 and the Kwinana

Community Directory a year later. In 1999 the Directories were expanded into

Mandurah and in 2002 in to Pinjarra, establishing the first Regional Publication in this

district.

In 1997, Dale resigned all contracts, including a long-term one with the City of

Rockingham, to concentrate on her community directories which were demanding her

full attention. In 2014, she launched At Home in Perth, WA.

Dale came to Rockingham with her husband Lloyd and two daughters in 1970 and has

been involved in many aspects of the community including Rotary, the Rockingham

Tourist Authority and is a Life Member of the Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. She

was an executive member and President of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Business

Support Group and is Chairman of judges for the Rockingham Kwinana Telstra Regional

Business Awards.


Tracey Loubser

Director

Tracey is an Hons Degree qualified accountant with over a decade and a half’s’

experience working within professional practice (Deloittes), a corporate environment

(Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Risk Management) and in the past

six years directly with small to medium business owners.

Presently Tracey is finding great success with her own business, Confident Cash Flows,

where over the past six years, Tracey has helped many business owners achieve great

success in business, from transforming a business from a NET Loss to Net Profit in ONE

month, to improving Net Profit in another business by 65% (in just 7 months). Tracey’s

vision to make financial literacy accessible to every small business owner in Australia

within the next 5 years. In order to achieve this vision, Tracey works side by side with

Accountants and Bookkeepers through her training business; Confident Cashflows

Training and Education, and shares “The Proven Profit Boosting System”, her Templates,

Do’s ,Don’ts and the learning’s.

Tracey shares her passion for her craft as a key note speaker to both small business

owner groups and the accounting profession. Tracey has been recognised among her

local community by winning the award in her category in 2013 and 2014 Alcoa Peel

Business Excellence Awards. She also won the award in her category at the 2014

Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce Telstra Business Award.

Tracey joined the Board of Bridging the Gap in October 2014.


Our Management Team

Colin Kerr

Chief Executive Officer

With almost 40 years in the Employment Services Industry in both Federal Government

and community based organisations, Colin has a strong commitment to people and is

committed to delivering services to the community, particularly for youth who he sees as

our future.

Colin joined Bridging the Gap in 1997 when there were just three staff and has

successfully guided the organisation's growth to over 65 staff, delivering a diverse range

of programs and services.

Presently he is a Board Director of South West Corridor Employment Development

Foundation, Koorliny Arts Centre and Outdoors WA.

Email: [email protected]

Kay Masters

Manager – Training & Community

Kay joined Bridging the Gap in early 2014 and brings a strong background in

Training and Support Services, having worked previously with reputable

organisations such as the WA Association for Mental Health, Community West,

Inclusion WA and the Australian Red Cross.

A resident of Rockingham, Kay is passionate about her community and continues to

devote personal time to participating in the Board of Inclusion WA.


Andy Wahid

Manager – Business Development

Andy is Bridging the Gap’s Head of Youth Development and manages the Crossing Point

program. Andy has extensive experience in youth development and corporate learning

and development.

Prior to joining Bridging the Gap, Andy led 10-week youth leadership expeditions across

the globe for UK based organisation, Raleigh International and was responsible for

developing partnerships across sectors as Head of Business Development.

Presently, Andy is developing Crossing Point to deliver high impact skills and aspirational

development to young participants, with valuable learning and development

opportunities to employees in a unique multi-faceted package.



Jane McWhirter

Manager – Employment Services

Moving to Australia over thirty years ago with her family, Jane brought with her thirteen

years experience as a qualified nurse, resulting in several job offers in Australia. Jane’s

additionally qualifications include a Diploma in Business Management, a Diploma in

Employment Services and registration as a qualified Workplace Trainer & Assessor.

“Spending five years working in the Northern Territory was the best experience of my

life”, says Jane. “Learning to adapt to the vast cultural changes, not to mention the

picturesque geographic scenes, was just amazing.”

Almost 15 years working with Bridging The Gap/JobFutures, Jane has seen many changes

particularly in the growth of the organisation. Having over 20 years experience working

with the not-for-profit sector assisting both employers and unemployed people meet

their recruitment needs has been a great challenge with many heartfelt “good news”

stories to tell. Managing four offices from Perth to Rockingham and with over 26 staff,

Jane is constantly on the road. “Maintaining a Leading JSA service for many years within

the Community has seen many challenges, but the success stories is worth it all” says

Jane.


Ryan Kim

Manager – Finance & Support Services

Migrating from South Korea in 2006, Ryan volunteered for a charity card shop in Adelaide

before working as an accountant for several not-for-profit organisations including a

health charity, government agency and community employment service, before joining

BTG in 2012.

Ryan has a Master’s degree in accounting and is a member of CPA Australia.

Having worked for commercial companies such as Samsung and FedEx, Ryan has over 10

years solid administration experiences from human resources management to finance.

Ryan is a proud father of two children, a member of the Korean Community Church and

has a strong interest in the settlement of CALD immigrants, particularly youth.



Peter Bird

Manager - Ngulla Training & Community Centre

Peter is responsible for the day to day operations of BTG’s wholesale plant propagation

nursery, situated on Born Road in Casuarina. Peter has many years experience in the

industry.

Qualified with a Diploma in Horticulture, Certificate 3 in Conservation and Land

Management and Certificate 4 in Landscape Design, Peter Bird has been project

managing Ngulla Community Nursery and providing Certificate 4 level training and

assessment for BTG clients for the past seven years.

Peter's resume includes eight years of service as a Senior Government Officer in Disability

Services Employment, with a further 24 years as an Owner/Operator of a commercial

tree farm and producer of cut flowers and wildflowers for the trade.

Additionally, Peter owned and operated a commercial and home landscape design and

implementation service based in the south west of Western Australia, and served as a

Foundation Member of both the Small Tree Growers Association and Manjimup Land

Care District Council.



Our Programs and Services

Academy for Community Employment

Bridging the Gap are turning the tables on the traditional approach to job search

to target Kwinana’s high unemployment rate in an innovative way after being

granted funding by the Australian Government Department of Human Services

through the Better Futures, Local Solutions initiative for its new Academy for

Community Employment.

The first of its kind in Western Australia, the Academy will officially launch in

July, 2013 and takes a reverse approach to dealing with unemployment by

specifically addressing those unemployed, job-ready candidates who face skills-

based barriers to employment as well as giving jobseekers an understanding of

why certain skills and behaviours are sought by employers and what employers

are looking for in applications and at interviews.

The Academy will support a large demographic from the Kwinana community

including Year 12 graduates, teenagers and single parents, those with disabilities

as well as Indigenous members of the community to fulfil the identified needs of

employers.

For more information contact Caroline Marshall.

[email protected]

ASPIRE

Formerly known as KFCP (Kwinana Families in Community Partnership), ASPIRE was

initiated in 2010 by Bridging the Gap as a project that would provide a holistic

service to Kwinana families effected by long term, intergenerational unemployment.

Since its inception, ASPIRE has achieved encouraging results with families in

Kwinana who have found themselves stuck in the rut of long term unemployment

and low aspiration. ASPIRE’s core functions include mentoring and facilitation of

support networks for clients who have been unemployed for at least 1 year or are

effected by generational unemployment.

mailto:[email protected]


Crossing Point

Bridging The Gap’s Crossing Point and GPS programs inspire young people from our

communities to make positive changes to their lives and those around them by

challenging them to be all that they can be. We take each young person on a

transformational journey over the course of 6-9 months that will see the

development of core leadership skills and provide the confidence to take control of

their lives.

The risks and challenges facing young people are all too evident – drugs, alcohol,

gangs, bullying, crime, unplanned parenthood, etc. - all of which can lead to

increased numbers of young people drifting into lives of underachievement,

disillusionment, disempowerment and antisocial behaviour. These can all have a

detrimental effect not only on the individuals concerned but also on the families

and communities where they live and work.

Since 2007 BTG has engaged and challenged over 288 young people to step out of

their comfort zone and develop the skills and confidence to positively contribute to

an inclusive society. The uniqueness of our Crossing Point and GPS Programs comes

from the combination of the different activities that creates a journey for each

young person, culminating in career development, leadership skills development

and volunteer work on local community projects.

For more information contact Sarah Carberry

[email protected]

Coaching Young People for Success

This on-one coaching and career counselling program challenges young people to

become more aware of their values and aspirations and how these support the

identification of future life pathways.

For more information contact Kay Masters or Karen Ward

kay.masters @bridgingthegap.org.au

[email protected]





Disability Employment Services

As of March 5th 2013, Bridging the Gap will offer Disability Employment Services

(DES) from our office locations in Mandurah, Rockingham, Kwinana, Wembley,

Spearwood, Pinjarra and Waroona. Our team of experts will provide the tools and

assistance necessary for our clients to return to work and /or upskill their current

employability based on an assessment of their current skills and the directions in

which they wish to go.

For more information contact Jane McWhirter or Kelly Tillet

[email protected]

[email protected]

Dismantle Bike Restoration Partnership Project

The Dismantle Bike Rescue Partnership Project (aka “BRPP” or “Dismantle”)is

modelled on a highly successful earn-a-bike program that operates in numerous

cities through-out the world. Based on a 2 hours twice per week commitment, over

a 10 week period. Students spend the first 14 hours of the program learning all

aspects of bike mechanics and restoration from highly experienced facilitators and

volunteer mentors who ensure that every nut and bolt is covered in this

comprehensive course. Having learnt some amazing bike-skills, participants will

then select a donated bike and spend the remaining 6 hours of the course restoring

their chosen bike to its former glory.

BRPP is designed to encourage youth to become active members of the community

while fostering values of worth in themselves and everything around them. The

project uses a hands-on approach to bike education in addition to promoting

alternative transport and recycling of materials and offering a safe and nurturing

environment for participants to complete a Certificate I in Work Preparation.

BRPP is a full-circle program where students are taught theory and hands on skills

and have an opportunity to apply these skills with a tangible reward for their efforts.

For more information contact Nicola Squires

[email protected]





FUELLS

Developed by youth workers with a myriad of experience and understanding of the

often complex barriers facing our youth that prevent them from attending school,

the FUELLS or Future Understanding of Education and Lifelong Learning Skills aims

to provide young people with the skills, knowledge and practical experience that will

enable them to reengage with educational activities.

For more information contact Nicola Squires

[email protected]

Job Services Australia (JSA)

As a member of the JOB futures National Employment Network, Bridging the Gap is

contracted to deliver the Job Services Australia contract, funded through the

Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

Both job seekers and employers alike can benefit from JSA’s highly focused service

which is aims to provide a single communication point for all clients to a variety of

job-related services from offices in Kwinana, Mandurah, Spearwood, Wembley and

Rockingham.

JSA provides flexible support to out-of-work persons to connect them with training

and skill development opportunities relevant to their individual circumstances.

As the only 5-star rated JSA provider in Western Australia, BTG has a proven track

record of providing successful pathways for job seekers to the correct training for

their chosen field to allow them to enter or return to the workforce.

For more information contact Jane McWhirter

[email protected]

Life Long Learning Centre

(Training & Career Development)

BTG’s Life Long Learning Centre delivers both accredited and non-accredited

training and career development to the wider community across all regions and

Local Government Areas. Our programs support career choices and provide

training suited to the needs of the individual.

Our training scope includes:




Computing short courses (non-accredited)

Choose Get Keep Advance (non-accredited)

New Directions (non-accredited)

Career Development including Coaching Young People for Success

Cert I in Work Preparation (accredited)

Cert II in Business (accredited)

Cert III & IV in Community Services (accredited)

Cert II in Conservation & Land Management (accredited)

Cert II in General Education for Adults (accredited)

For more information contact our Training team on 9550 1111.

Ngulla Training & Community Centre

A unique, community-based working and training environment, Ngulla was

established in August 2006 as an innovative horticultural-based social enterprise

project to supply native plants to industry and generate employment and work

place training opportunities for local youth, job seekers and the community. More

recently, Ngulla has become a dedicated learning facility auspiced through BTG’s

Registered Training Organisation (RTO) where both accredited and non accredited

training programs are delivered at Ngulla including work experience in building

and construction, handyman projects and plant propagation as well as Certificate

II in Conservation & Land Management and traineeships for Indigenous persons in

partnership with CSBP. Ngulla training is focused on experiential learning with

written material encompassing just 25% of core learning. This approach was

adopted to eliminate issues of numeracy and literacy shortfalls within the student

body.

For more information contact Peter Bird

[email protected]

Phone: 0411 366 385.

Remote Youth Leadership & Development Corps

Presently delivering the Remote Youth Leadership Development Corps (RYLDC) in

Meekatharra in partnership with Mission Australia aimed at supporting the

transition of local indigenous youth into employment. BTG have designed a

program model to be delivered over a 12-month period remotely which include

aspiration, skills leadership and community activities.

For more information contact Sarah Carberry

[email protected]




Teen Parent’s Program

The Teen Parents Program aims to improve secondary education and vocational

training outcomes for teen parents in the Kwinana area, addressing personal

barriers and tending to educational development. Safe and accessible

environments are provided where the needs of their children are met and teen

parents continue to enjoy direct access to their children throughout their

participation in the program.

By the creation of Individual Pathway Plans (IPP’s) for each young person is

transitioned to education/training or employment pathways whilst addressing

health and wellbeing goals, with appropriate referrals to other services for

specialist support if required.

The Teen Parents Program engages young parents in positive peer support and

learning activities which enhance their longer term social and economic wellbeing

and deter their involvement in anti-social behaviour including substance abuse

and criminal behaviour. Young parents will receive positive parenting information

and role modelling via Youth Connections and partnering agencies.

For more information contact Leanne Williams

[email protected]

Youth Connections

Youth Connections offers one-on-one case management services to young people

in the Rockingham, Kwinana, Mandurah and Cockburn areas to help them

overcome barriers which prevent them from engaging with education. Case

workers might assist a young person to reconnect with family, find a mentor or

obtain assistance from other community organisations to address more serious

issues such as literacy and numeracy problems, mental health, drug and alcohol

addictions and abuse.

For more information contact Kay Masters

[email protected]




Good News Stories & Case Studies

*Some names have been changed to uphold privacy in the report of case studies..

CASE STUDY – ASPIRE Barista Training

To demonstrate strategies we have undergone with the support of the LAG and LEC

(Margaret Banks) to address a priority cohort (teen parents) in Kwinana as well as

demonstrating our knowledge of immediate labour needs (Barista vacancies) in our

PEA.

Bridging the Gap’s ASPIRE initiative hosted a celebratory lunch in March for a group of local parents after

they completed recognised barista training funded by the Department of Education, Employment and

Workplace Relations.

Bridging the Gap Chief Executive Colin Kerr said the ASPIRE initiative provided participants with mentoring

and pastoral care as well as continued ongoing job search assistance.

“Many of the women engaged in this course as a reintroduction to training and the workforce after having

children,” he said.

“We’re very pleased to announce that all participants passed the course and Nick and the team at ASPIRE

will continue to support them through the job search process.”

Amy Hutchison (24) said the program provided her with a chance to advance her career and hopefully

secure work.

“I have two young children and I would never have been able to afford the cost of the barista training by

myself,” she said.

“Successfully completing it has really given me the confidence to continue studies in the hospitality field

and work toward obtaining employment.”

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations representative Margaret Banks

congratulated all the participants and said the benchmark has now been set for future partakers.

“We’re extremely proud that all involved completed the course to such a high standard,” she said.

“We hope to see them at the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Expo networking with potential employers.”

This project is funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations through the

Local Employment Coordinator Flexible Funding Pool Initiative.


CASE STUDY - JSA Clients/ Bestwest Care

Demonstrates our ability to address an identified labour market need and work with a

partner RTO to proactively up-skill and place over 15 clients from two emerging

cohorts (parents returning to work and mature aged workers) into work, as well as

demonstrating post placement support.

Bestwest Care is a Registered Training Organisation that offers Certificate III in Aged Care and is funded

through the Productivity Placements Program.

The course consists of five weeks in-class room education and two weeks work experience with over 15 of

our clients successfully placed into aged care work upon completion.

One of these clients was Rob*, who at 50-years-old was suffering from alcoholism and mental health issues.

With the help of his employment advisor, Rob was set up into AA meetings and overtime, became more

focused on gaining sustainable employment.

After completing career counselling with his employment advisor, it became apparent that Rob enjoyed his

time as a carer over 20 years ago, however, no longer possessed the necessary qualifications to work within

this field.

Bridging the Gap’s employment services team liaised with Bestwest to discuss Rob’s barriers to

employment and collaborated on a plan that would see him given the opportunity to participate in the next

Certificate III in Aged Care.

Rob attended the course in high spirits with his employment advisor following up every second day for

reports on his progress and to ensure he would remain engaged. By the time his work experience

placement rolled around, Rob had been sober for over three months and was quickly offered a job within

the organisation which he accepted.

Intensive post placement support from Rob’s employment advisor saw him go from strength to strength

with 13 and 26 week employment outcomes claimed and Rob continuing on with this employer for almost

two years.

In 2013, Rob returned to Bridging the Gap as a jobseeker after losing his driver’s license for drink driving.

Alcoholism support was offered to Rob and he engaged with AA meetings almost immediately. With low

self-esteem and a lack of job searching confidence, Rob was also enrolled in Esher House training and

Bridging the Gap’s own Choose, Get, Keep, Advance.

With the help of his employment advisor, Rob regained his driver’s license and was encouraged to apply for

numerous positions within the Aged Care Industry.

Rob has since been employed with a local Aged Care Provider for over 13 weeks and credits Bridging the

Gap and specifically, the Choose, Get, Keep, Advance program for his sober life.


CASE STUDY - Academy

To demonstrate our collaborative and innovative approach to addressing barriers

within a priority employment area (Kwinana) and our connections with local

employers (BGC) to achieve outcomes.

Bridging the Gap has turned the tables on the traditional approach to job search in order to target

Kwinana’s high unemployment rate after being granted funding by the Australian Government Department

of Human Services through the Better Futures, Local Solutions initiative for its new Academy for Community

Employment.

The first of its kind in Western Australia, the Academy was officially launched in 2013 and takes a reverse

approach to dealing with unemployment by specifically addressing those job-ready candidates who face

skills-based barriers to employment, as well as giving jobseekers an understanding of why certain skills and

behaviours are sought by employers and what employers are looking for in applications and at interviews.

The Academy supports a large demographic from the Kwinana community including all jobseekers, TAFE

graduates, Year 12 graduates, teenagers and single parents, those with disabilities as well as Indigenous

members of the community to fulfil the identified needs of employers.

The Academy aims to provide opportunities for members of the community to gain skills and access new

work opportunities to build better life outcomes for themselves and their families as well as provide local

business with motivated and enthusiastic, well prepared employees. To date, the Academy has partnered

with several employers such as BGC, Austal Shipping and IGA and assisted them in securing full-time, part-

time, casual and work experience candidates.

Once appointed Bridging the Gap ensures that both our business partner (the company) and the new

employee receive ongoing support ensuring compatibility and sustained outcomes for the businesses we

partner with.

To date, 21 candidates have secured sustainable employment and the organisations that are partnering

with the Academy are discovering a service which connects them to work-ready candidates free of charge.

Candidates and business partners alike are embracing this innovative and supportive new initiative and

meeting their recruitment demands whilst also addressing local unemployment challenges.

For further information:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB2gERIrDhU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB2gERIrDhU


CASE STUDY - Skills Development / Crossing Point

To demonstrate an innovative approach to developing skills, citizenship and transition

using experiential learning and harnessing BTG’s international partnerships.

The award winning Crossing Point initiative is used as an engagement, leadership development and

transition program for young people from Rockingham and beyond aged between 15-25. This inspirational

journey is continuing to evolve and focuses on skills development and personal awareness that each

participant can use to support transition and positive decision making. It raises aspirations amongst

participants and volunteers. The programme involves a 7 day expedition, coaching and career

development. Each participant has the opportunity to join an optional international youth leadership

expedition with Raleigh International to Sabah, Borneo and to date 43 young people have been supported

by Bridging the Gap to achieve this. Furthermore, each participant is supported to make a contribution back

into their local community by way of volunteering projects and peer role modelling organised by the

alumni. This holistic approach connects young people, many of whom are classified as ‘At Risk’ to

opportunities outside of their usual environment, positive futures via career identification and to

sustainable community responsibilities via the alumni program.

A testimonial for the Crossing Point program is given by one of its Alumni representatives, below:

Ben Piggott

“My relationship with Crossing Point commenced in 2010. I was 23 years of age and although I knew I

needed to change something in my life, I didn’t know where to start or if I was even capable of getting

there. What still resonates with me two years on is walking away from the residential knowing that the

responsibility for my future lay with me and no one else. I didn’t realise that going into it. I needed

something that would help me sift through all the confusion. Crossing Point challenges you beyond what

you can possibly imagine and what I can possibly explain. For me, it was invaluable. I came home wanting to

give back to my community, and that was something I hadn’t even considered before the residential. My CP

journey didn’t stop there. I was lucky enough to attend a Raleigh International expedition in 2010. Borneo

was incredible and completely changed my life. Working alongside like minded people from around the

world and contributing to the local community was a complete money can’t buy experience. Since, I

regularly assist in the facilitation of other residential expeditions and on volunteering projects in my local

community. I currently sit as the President of the CP Alumni Association.”

Ben will be represented the Crossing Point Leaders Academy Alumni Association in Hong Kong at the

Raleigh International Leadership Conference in November 2012.


CASE STUDY - Skills Development

To demonstrate the effective engagement and case management of our youth cohort

and the use of alternative education programs such as FUELLS to overcome multiple

barriers to learning.

Maddi was a client of the Youth Connections team, disengaged from school and presenting with drug and

alcohol abuse, homelessness, involvement in petty criminal activity and family relationship issues. YC staff

worked had to maintain contact with Maddi when she disappeared. Temporary accommodation was found

in a rehabilitation centre where Maddi underwent counselling for a number of barriers.

Maddi composed a thank you letter to BTG in which she outlined her story and her appreciation for YC’s

unfailing support. With ongoing support through our FUELLS alternative education program, Maddi

achieved a Cert I in Work Prep and went on to secure a traineeship with a local mining company. She

recently completed her Cert II in Business and has begun Cert III & IV.


CASE STUDY - Indigenous Employment Program

To demonstrate our success in addressing indigenous unemployment within our ESA.

Adam* was registered with JSA from December of 2010. He joined our Indigenous Employment Program in

February of 2011. At that time Adam was enrolled in the Challenger TAFE Leadership Certificate II being

overseen by our IEP program. We tailor made some aspirational development which included a residential

camp and started on the journey to unpack some of Adam’s personal barriers to achievement. He had been

suffering from agonising mental health issues and had never been diagnosed or medicated. He was abusing

marijuana and was disconnected from his cultural heritage and not comfortable with his Aboriginal roots.

After spending time in the Cultural Awareness Program with IEP, Adam started to recognise and appreciate

his Noongar roots and embraced the idea of being Aboriginal. His mood swings were still very apparent and

he strongly fought against counselling and medication.

Adam originally came to us as a very anxious and suicidal 18-year-old boy. He constantly threatened to

commit suicide and got in the habit of calling us at all hours during the night. His mentoring and counselling

took on an almost parental flavour.

A great deal of violence was present in Adam’s family home and his father was also on antidepressants.

Adam was smoking marijuana on a regular basis and this contributed to his erratic mood swings. With all

this in mind, Adam dreamt big. He had hopes of securing a FIFO position so he could eventually move out of

his parent’s house, clear his debt and build a better life for himself.

After a few months Adam started to settle and we convinced him of the importance of regular medication

and support and mentoring from BTG IEP and student support people.

Fast forward 18 months. With the support of the team at BTG Adam attended multiple counselling and

doctors appointments aimed at addressing his depression and anger issues, he enrolled in and completed a

dogging and rigging course which was funded by BTG and participated in BTG’s New Directions program to

assist with his confidence, self esteem and personal presentation. Adam also made an application for a

traineeship at Alcoa – at this time he grew in confidence and started to blossom.

After an initial let down when he was unsuccessful in this application Adam started to decline again and

refused to go back onto his medication. At this time he was drawn into the JSA area for additional support.

He started in the Job Club and was fully supported and mentored there. At our wits end we now had five

staff all working intensely with him, taking turns managing his erratic behaviours and tantrums. He started

using drugs again and we knew he wouldn’t pass a drug and alcohol screen if he was selected for interview

by any of the mining companies. By late in 2011 the team at BTG encouraged Adam back into mental health

support and he started to attend counselling regularly.

During this time, with the support of multiple employment advisors, Adam secured an interview with

Sodexo who are currently contracted by Rio Tinto in the Pilbara. Adam passed the interview stage but

unfortunately failed his medical due to issues with his manual dexterity. Adam was then invited to attend a

six week preparation course with Sodexo which ran five days a week for six weeks. Eventually, Adam

successfully completed his preparation course and it was then that his case management transitioned into


the JSA Work Experience phase. Whilst still enjoying support from the initial IEP team and the JSA

employment advisory team, he now had even more attention from the Work Experience sector.

At 3am on August 15 Bridging the Gap’s Work Experience Employment Advisor, Shane Parnell, drove an

extremely nervous Adam the 50 minute trip to Perth Domestic Airport. He had never been on a plane

before.

Adam gave us numerous reasons to stop attending to him; our care was personal, suited to his specific

needs and relentless. This attention to detail is what has resulted in a great outcome for him.

Adam is now working 12 hour days on a Rio Tinto site as a kitchen hand. Both 13 and 26 week outcomes

have been claimed.


Office Locations

Bridging the Gap | Rockingham (Head Office)

10 Leghorn Street Rockingham, WA 6168

PO Box 675, Rockingham WA 6968

Phone: +61 8 9550 1111

Fax: +61 8 9592 8217


Facebook.com/bridgingthegapWA

Bridging the Gap | Wembley

Level 1, 46 Salvado Road, Wembley

PO Box 7157, Shenton Park WA 6008

Phone: +61 8 9380 4705

Fax: +61 8 9380 4716

Bridging the Gap | Spearwood

Unit 4, 235 Rockingham Road, Spearwood

PO Box 7044, Spearwood WA 6163

Phone: +61 8 9434 6575

Fax: +61 8 9434 6794

Bridging the Gap | Kwinana

24b, 43 Meares Avenue, Kwinana

PO Box 221, Kwinana WA 6966

Phone: +61 8 9419 2553

Fax: +61 8 9439 2552

Bridging the Gap | Mandurah

56 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah

PO Box 1756, Mandurah WA 6210

Phone: +61 8 9586 3888

Fax: +61 8 9586 3999

Bridging the Gap | Mandurah Training Facility

69 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah

PO Box 1756, Mandurah WA 6210

Phone: +61 8 9586 3888

Fax: +61 8 9586 3999

Ngulla Training & Community Centre

68 Born Road, Casuarina

Phone: +61 8 9439 3806

Facebook.com/Ngulla

Bridging the Gap | Pinjarra

Murray House, 14 James Street

Phone: +61 8 9586 3888 (Option 4)

find us online

bridgingthegap.org.au

bridgingthegapwa


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