Belgravia Leisure program empowers youth while fostering social inclusion

Belgravia Leisure has announced the participation of Melbourne’s Mill Park Leisure and the Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (TRAC) in a work experience initiative dedicated to supporting Year 8 students who are at risk of disengagement.

With a primary objective to assist students in returning to school and reengaging in their education, Invigor8ing Education, is a skill-based program designed to empower youth by helping them explore their interests, realise their capabilities and enhance their confidence by immersing them in a supported real-world work environment.

Through hands-on exposure to work environments, Invigor8ing Education equips all participants for success by providing a clear perspective on the potential paths that education can lead them on.

Belgravia Leisure advise “we are proud to collaborate with YMCA Whittlesea, Whittlesea Youth Commitment (WYC), City of Whittlesea Youth Services and Hume Whittlesea Local Learning & Employment Network (HWLLEN) on this initiative.

“This program transcends traditional classroom settings, immersing students in a practical, employment-focused environment at venues like Mill Park Leisure and TRAC. Throughout the program, dedicated youth workers provide essential support, attending workplaces, offering moral encouragement and maintaining open communication with parents and school staff.”

Already underway at the Mill Park Leisure facility and scheduled to commence in the first quarter of later in the year at TRAC, the program will involve the assignment of six students to each centre’s kiosk, swim school and lifeguard teams.

The program also aligns with Belgravia Leisure’s commitment to supporting underrepresented communities, particularly local young people at risk of disengagement.

Image credit: Belgravia Leisure.