A new Illawarra venture is providing digitial skills to unemployed youth by creating opportunities for them and local business.
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The Foundation for Young Australians estimates that up to 70 per cent of 15 to 24 year olds in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven are entering occupations that are likely to be absorbed by automation.
Digital Business Hub is taking a new approach to skilling young people for the future by linking them with paid employment and giving them the opportunity to work on the digital presence of a local business.
The original concept took the form of a partnership led by Kiama Community College and brokered by Lynelle Johnson, who was with the The Smith Family.
It was delivered by social media expert Francine Bishop and was followed by more successful pilots that results in more sales and some ongoing employment.
Ms Johnson is now in partnership with Mrs Bishop and they plan to make the enterprise sustainable and spread into other regions.
Mrs Bishop said the hub was going to change the way businesses became digital and students became employable. Presently 20 businesses can register www.digitalbusinesshub.com.au for the first 10 week Illawarra Digital Business Hub Program starting in February.