Rise Up: Kelso High students graduate from PCYC job-ready program

Ten students participated in Fit 2 Learn, completing the job ready program which teaches them about applying for a job, attending interviews as well as preparing a resume for prospective employers.

The students also obtained a White Card and a first aid certificate during the course.

Fit 2 Learn is one of many programs on offer under the RISEUP umbrella, a program initiated by NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, just on two years ago.

Commissioner Fuller is the first police commissioner in 80 years to list youth as their top priority - and two years on, those on the ground say the program is changing lives, often igniting the spark in the students for what they want to do in the future.

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Senior Constable Rikki Bowden, from the Youth and Crime Prevention Command said the skills and qualifications the students gained through Fit 2 Learn enable them to start applying for jobs like apprenticeships, which many of them want to do.

She said the program encourages participants to explore their strengths in building respectful relationships within the school environment whilst also developing emotional intelligence skills preparing them for future employment.

"When asked what they got out of the program the young people made comments about getting their White Card and first aid certificate and learning the skills they needed to get a job.

"The job ready course was a big plus for them all. They also spoke about improving their communication skills and spoke highly of the support provided by staff during the program," she said.

Both Bathurst High and Kelso high have been part of the Fit 2 Learn Program run through the PCYC during the past few years.

The program targets both boys and girls to inspire them both at school and in their learning by building soft skills and life connection skills, through positive relationships with staff at Bathurst PCYC.

Students involved in the program have demonstrated increased school attendance rates, decreased social anxiety at school and improved confidence to engage in daily conversations with peers, adults and school leaders.