NORTEC Youth Services ... FAQs
providing connection and direction for young people
Links to Learning | Youth Pathways | Connections
Q & A for Links to Learning
What qualifies me to enter the course?
You need to be unemployed (or working less than 15hrs per week), between 15 and 24 and have left school before completing your HSC.
Is the Course nationally accredited?
The Links to Learning Program is not nationally accredited, although in the program nationally-accredited modules are offered in Hospitality, Business or Retail.
On what days does the course run?
The course is on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
How long does the program run for?
The course runs for between 9 and 11 weeks, in conjunction with NSW school terms.
How do I get to the program and where is it?
Free transport (and free lunch!) is provided Daily. On Wednesday the program is held at NORTEC Youth Services in Murwillumbah and on Thursday and Friday at the PCYC in Tweed Heads.
Is the Course approved by Centrelink as a full time course?
Yes, the Course has full time short course approval and you will still receive benefits while undertaking the course.
For more information: Contact details
Q & A for Youth Pathways
What is Youth Pathways?
Youth Pathways helps young people get through school and make the transition from school to further education, training or employment.
Who is eligible to participate in Youth Pathways?
To be eligible to participate in Youth Pathways, a young person must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident between the ages of 13 to 19, unemployed and either:
a) at risk of leaving school or alternative education before completing year 12 and
b) at risk of not making a successful transition through school and from school to further education, training or employment;
or
a) have left school in the preceding 12 months without completing year 12 and
b) at risk of not making a successful transition to further education, training or employment.
What assistance can Youth Pathways provide to young people?
Personal one-on-one assistance to help you work out your strengths, goals and the barriers getting in your way.
Individual support and guidance to help you to overcome those barriers.
Support to help you achieve your goals.
Other support such as referral to specialist providers (e.g. counselors) and encouragement to participate in social activities that will help you build self confidence.
Who delivers Youth Pathways services in the Northern Rivers region?
DESTination North is a consortium of three not-for-profit community based organizations: NORTEC Enterprises (Tweed Shire), Ballina Employment and Training Company (Ballina / Byron / Mid Richmond Shires) and NewTRAIN Northern Rivers Inc (Lismore & Richmond Valley Shires). DESTination North’s combined history extends to over 50 years of service delivery in the Northern Rivers region, including extensive experience servicing the needs of disadvantaged young people in our communities via the delivery of innovative training programmes and community projects.
How do I find out more about Youth Pathways?
- Visit our Destination North website: www.destinationnorth.com.au
- Call Destination North on 1800 355 415
- Visit the Youth Pathways website: www.youthpathways.dest.gov.au
- Call the Youth Pathways hotline on 1800 635 035
- Email youthpathways@dest.gov.au
- Or Talk with your school counselor, careers advisor or visit your local Centrelink Office.
Q & A for Connections
What qualifies me to enter the course?
To be eligible to enrol in the ‘XCELR8’ Connections program you need to be between the ages of 13 and 19, an Australian citizen or permanent resident and not engaged in mainstream schooling. Referral by Centrelink, Job Network Agencies or community organisations is necessary to enrol.
What if I don’t qualify for the program but feel I should as I am experiencing major barriers to further education?
If you do not meet all the eligibility requirements, eligibility will still be considered based on your individual circumstances.
Where is the program held?
In terms 1 and 3 the program will be held in Ballina, Terms 2 and 4 in Murwillumbah. Further details on dates and times will be available soon, or contact Activ Living Australia on 1800 617 228.
What if I have transport issues in getting to the program?
Transport and lunch is provided daily!
What does the XCELR8 Connections Program deliver?
Program facilitators will provide you with support to develop employability, career and life management skills. They will also regularly update your transition plan and provide you with personal support during the program, on exit and at least three months after you have left the program.
What can I expect to gain from the XCELR8?
At the conclusion of the program all participants will have enrolled in accredited education or a training plan for their career direction.
Where can I find further information on the XC ELR8 Program?
For further information on the Connections initiative called XCELR8 contact Activ Living Australia on 1800 617 228 or email info@activliving.com.
