Thursday, 27 September 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is backing a Latrobe Valley social enterprise to create jobs and support young locals struggling to find a job.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today joined Western Bulldogs AFLW Premiership Captain Ellie Blackburn in Morwell at youth organisation Ladder – who have received a $25,000 Boost Your Business voucher.

Ladder provides young Victorians who are vulnerable to homelessness and disengagement with the support they need to gain important work – including mentoring from AFL and AFLW players like Ellie.

Ladder is the AFL Players’ official charity and works to expand delivery of their mentoring program to other charity and not-for-profit organisations. The funding will allow Ladder to build organisational capacity and facilitate growth through business model exploration.

Ladder is one of 51 social enterprises which are sharing funding of over $1.1 million this year from the Victorian Government’s Boost Your Business voucher program Social Enterprise Capability stream.

The vouchers provide funding for eligible social enterprises to partner with industry experts to help them expand their business, provide pathways to training and employment and allow them to support Victorians in need.

Ladder is also supported by the Latrobe Valley Authority to help transform the lives of vulnerable young people and develop workplace skills to gain meaningful and sustainable employment.

Quote attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll

“We’ll always back strong social enterprises like Ladder – who play such an important role helping young Victorians find a secure job.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We know that sometimes young people need extra help to take that next step in life – and thanks to the support of the Labor Government – we’re making sure Latrobe Valley locals can climb the ladder to success.”

Quote attributable to Ladder A/CEO Stephanie De Campo

“The Boost Your Business program is already making a difference at a community level, with group and individual mentoring being delivered to young Australians, including here in the Latrobe Valley.

Quote attributable to Western Bulldogs AFLW Captain Ellie Blackburn

“Mentoring improves outcomes for young people across behavioural, social, economic and academic domains. I have seen firsthand the positive impact that Ladder’s mentoring program has on young people and I’m proud to be supporting this important work”.