Supporting Young Mothers to Learn, Work & Thrive
Young people who complete school and obtain Year 12 are more likely to complete further study or training, get a job, have significantly higher wages and are better placed to tackle future challenges. Young mothers must be adaptable, flexible and confident with essential attributes for lifelong learning in whatever fields they choose. Profound challenges must be overcome. The YMTP was designed in response to a lack of support for young mothers – the program bridges the gap so that young mothers can access education and the labour market through individual coaching with tertiary qualified and highly skilled Transition Coaches that work alongside young mothers to co-design a plan to complete education, develop foundational parenting skills, build knowledge of industry, employment, training and life skills to equip them to compete equitably in the employment market and sustain work. Transition Coaches use assessment and mapping to inform the development of an Education To Employment Plan (ETEP) with inclusions such as parenting support, early childhood support services, appropriate childcare and linkage to services where identified to support health and wellbeing, family, mental health, housing, legal, financial, transport so that education and employment goals can be achieved and sustained. In this workshop, we will share the YMTP program model, highlight success stories, and engage participants in activities and discussion that spark insight, reflection, and practical action.
Presenters: Jennifer Orlandi & Kirstie Leach
Jennifer Orlandi has a Bachelor of Social Work and experience across fields including Child Protection (Victoria and NSW), mental health, early intervention family services and specialist roles including men’s engagement specialist. Jennifer has been part of the Young Mothers Transition Program since its inception in 2022, with her role including program design, implementation, ongoing service improvements as well as the establishment of key service networks, alongside direct case management and coaching with young mothers. Jennifer works with young mothers, community services, education and employees, to ensure young mothers are provided with opportunities for education and/or employment which is equitable and inclusive rather than based on bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Jennifer is driven by the moments when confidence begins to grow and stability takes hold for young mothers. “Watching a young mother who may have once presented as vulnerable realising their own capacity is incredibly rewarding”.
Bio TBA