Media Release: Horticulture and environmental programs to help train youth

Mission Australia, in conjunction with Job Futures and Now Green, will launch three new National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) programs this month to provide young West Australians with valuable environmental and horticultural skills.

NGJC is an Australian Government youth development program, offering people aged 17-24 the opportunity to receive work experience and quality training while participating in projects which contribute to significant environmental and cultural heritage initiatives.

Mission Australia program consultant Kristina Hayley said the six month long programs - Horticulture at City Farm, North of Perth Bushland Regeneration and Perth’s City Conservation Youth Project – gave young West Australians the opportunity to learn skills in a diverse range of activities which benefit the environment and local communities.

“Each program offers a wide range of work experience from regenerating and replanting degraded bushland, growing vegetables and native species to all aspects of plant propagation, small construction projects and weed eradication.

“This includes monitoring the water use and solar panel efficiency at City Farm and maintaining the Urban Orchard garden outside the Art gallery of WA in the Perth Cultural Centre.

“There is even a project that involves growing designer mushrooms using recycled coffee grounds,” Ms Hayley said.

“At the end of the six month course participants will receive a Certificate 11 in Horticulture or Certificate 11 in Conservation and Land Management and be equipped with practical skills and training to help them gain employment in horticultural or environmental industries.”

Event date:  Monday 15 August 2011
When:  2.00pm
Where:  City Farm, 1 City Farm Place, East Perth WA 6104

Interview and photo opportunities:
Kristina Hayley, Mission Australia
National Green Jobs Corps participants

Media enquiries:
Jo Ann Blizzard (08) 9388 0944 or 0416 038 787