Archbishop Timothy Costelloe has this week opened the doors of a new Centacare Employment and Training Centre.
The new city-based training centre will provide a pathway for students from highly disadvantaged backgrounds to transition from basic adult education programs directly into nationally accredited vocational training – all from a single location.
The new centre marks Centacare’s sixth training site in the metropolitan region, but the first of its centres to initiate follow-on training at the same site for students.
In opening the new venue, the Archbishop spoke about the role of Centacare Employment and Training as a LifeLink organisation.
“Collectively, LifeLink-supported agencies reach out to more than 31,000 Western Australian families and individuals each year, delivering in excess of $50 million in caring services and professional programs throughout the State,” the Archbishop said.
“We reach out to those who are homeless; women and children escaping domestic violence or abuse; people battling drugs and other addictions; people with disability; people with mental health issues; the disadvantaged, marginalised and the isolated,” he said.
“We reach out as a direct result of our collective Faith, which compels us to respond to our brothers and sisters in need and, when we do respond – with love, with compassion, without judgement – we truly follow in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd.”
Centacare Employment & Training’s Executive Director, Lee-Anne Phillips, said the new site is the jewel in the crown for Centacare.
“It will support an increasing number of long-term unemployed people, particularly those who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, (CaLD), and young people aged between 15 and 24 who are at risk of becoming long-term unemployed.
“The centre represents the culmination of a long-held and much cherished dream. We had a clear vision and this is a huge accomplishment for our not-for-profit organisation.”
Three purpose-built floors will now be home to expanded delivery of a seamless education and training facility.
The new centre means the organisation has the capacity and a clear pathway to broaden the scope and availability of accredited industry training courses to accommodate jobseekers in line with occupations listed on the State’s Skills Shortage list.
“As a not-for-profit organisation with a successful 40-year history, we’ve weathered the storms of unpredictable funding and constant regulatory change really well.
“We’ve stayed focused and true to our purpose which is to support and enable those from disadvantaged backgrounds with significant and hugely diverse needs, both inside and outside the classroom, to enter or re-enter the workforce and create sustainable economic livelihoods.”
Centacare Employment and Training is a not-for-profit, registered training organisation established in 1976 and an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth.
Centacare delivers flexible education courses and nationally accredited industry training programs specifically for disadvantaged and/or marginalised members of the community who are looking to learn new skills or obtain the qualifications necessary to go on to further study, training or employment.