Inverell High School teacher Cath Jeffery has organised the workshop to give young people a positive dose of reality when it comes to employment.

“I think there’s such a gap between the school gates and the workplace in terms with familiarity,” she said.

The free Employment Information Workshop will offer individuals from many local businesses, trades, solicitors, and employment agencies to take teens through what it takes to get a job and hold a job in the 21st century.

“The night will start off with a panel who will talk about what they will look for in an employee and what the expectations of the workplace are,” Cath said.

“To give the kids a realistic perception of what the job is about and what the expectations are and a dose of reality, for want of a better word.”

She encouraged families or groups of young people from years 10 to 12 from any school, TAFE or those currently out of school to attend and gather as much from the night as they can. Cath said as a teacher, she often fields the same questions; ‘Where do I go?’ and ‘How do I start?’ when it comes to job hunting.

“Just to give an example, I did a questionnaire, and asked (if a student ) could ask an employer one question, and the thing that came through is, ‘What happens if I stuff up?’” Cath said. “Kids are so afraid of actually trying something new in case they fail.”

She felt a friendly, approachable workshop might answer some of those concerns.

“This is a perfect opportunity, because these are the people in Inverell who give the jobs so let’s cut out the middleman,” Cath said.

“School, we can talk until we’re blue in the face, but realistically, we’re not the ones who are going to give you your money.

“We’re not the ones who are going to give you the job, so come and talk to the people in a central spot.”

The Employment Information Workshop is on Tuesday, August 25 at 6pm at the Inverell RSM Club. The event is free and welcomes all young people and their families.