It was bake-off time at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre at Kariong on August 21.
The centre was abuzz with the sweet scent of competition during National Skills Week as the bake-off blended culinary prowess with vocational training.
The young participants, currently honing their skills in cooking, hospitality and barista work, were not just whisking eggs and flour – they were stirring up new opportunities for their future.
Assistant manager John Maher said Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre was passionate about pathways to employment and providing young people with opportunity to upskill.
“We currently run (training in) horticulture, construction, working at heights, elevated work platforms, barista, catering, white card and first aid,” he said.
“It was great to have Zeal Futures come in and support the hospitality and barista students with their bake-off, and provide a session on how to set career goals, and work out what steps they can take to achieve these goals.”
Felicity Zeiher from Training Services NSW, which manages skills in youth justice centres said National Skills Week was a great opportunity to highlight and promote the positive impacts of vocational education and training for young people.
“For young people in custody, becoming skilled, qualified and connected to industry and employers prior to release strengthens the successful transition back to community and into the workforce,” she said.
Zeal Futures CEO Sharon Smith said the company’s purpose was to help everyone thrive, with a focus on providing high-quality learning and employment opportunities for the community.
“Our partnership with the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre allows us to create these pathways for young people and help them take their first steps towards their future careers,” she said.
“The program we delivered at the centre focused on helping participants set meaningful learning and career goals and work out what steps they can take to achieve these goals.
“It also offered a fun and supportive environment for participants to connect with their peers and trainers, and engage in practical activities to develop skills relevant to the hospitality industry.
“‘In addition to this program, Zeal Futures also regularly offers a number of ticketed courses for students at the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre, including Barista, RSA, RCG, White Card and First Aid and CPIR.
“These courses provide them with the necessary skills and certifications applicable to a range of jobs in the hospitality field.
“Zeal Futures is proud to deliver these training programs and support positive outcomes for students at the Centre, helping them to create their own success stories.”