New job program to teach young people how to conduct themselves in the workplace

Teaching young people how to apply for a job and how to dress for an interview are skills many job seekers need and will form part of a new 'Transition to Work' service.

(AAP) Source: AAP

Abbott Government ministers called for tenders for a new jobs program on Tuesday, almost four months after the $331 million Youth Employment Strategy was announced in the Budget.

Assistant Minister for Employment Luke Hartsuyker said a recent survey from the Department of Employment found that more than a third of employers believed that the best thing a young person could do to improve their prospects of getting a job is to improve their attitude.

"Many young people lack the very basic skills on how to conduct themselves in the workplace,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Transition to Work will address this issue among a range of other issues to ensure that our young people are as work ready as possible."

Mr Hartsuyker said the service would address youth unemployment through funding providers in all 51 employment regions in Australia.

It will start in the 2016 calendar year for organisations that will be selected on the basis of their track record with youth in the workplace, their plan to implement the service and their links to community organisations.

Labor's employment spokesman Brendan O'Connor rejected the programme as a fix to youth unemployment.

"The government should not have cut Labor's successful youth unemployment programs,” Mr O'Connor said.

"Youth unemployment has risen since the Budget, with nearly 300,000 young people unemployed."

The government believes the new programme, which will be rolled out across the country, will assist in skill development.

Greens Senator and spokesperson on Community Services Rachel Siewert said the new program is a step in the right direction but believes the Federal Government is sending mixed messages to young people.

“It is conflicting and bizarre to move towards supporting young people into long-term employment with Transition to Work whilst attempting to push through legislation this week that will entrench disadvantage,” Ms Siewert said in reference to the government’s plan have under 25-year-olds wait a month before accessing welfare payments.

The Abbott Government believes the new the new program, to be rolled out across the country, will assist in skill development.