Young Geelong job seekers graduate from Cats Match program

Twenty-three young Geelong job seekers officially graduated from a special employment program today, which was delivered by MatchWorks and Geelong Cats.

The Cats Match program encouraged participants to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing and to learn employability related skills.

Cats Match participants with Geelong Cats player Jed Bews.

Cats Match participants with Geelong Cats player Jed Bews.

Participants have been assisted throughout the 10-week program with resumes and applications, interview techniques and securing employment, as well as addressing other barriers they may have faced previously in entering the workforce. Guest speakers have included local employers, apprenticeship providers and welfare services.

MatchWorks Executive Director Renae Lowry said the program, which started on March 24, has achieved fantastic results with 11 job seekers placed into employment and a further five going through the interview stages.

“Cats Match participants have been learning valuable skills required to find them lasting and meaningful employment. The employability sessions delivered by MatchWorks covered business and social etiquette, increased self-awareness and transferrable skills, developing routines, makeovers and presentation for work, interview skills, modern recruitment practices and much more,” she said.

“The program has also assisted participants to improve their physical and mental health with Geelong Cats stepping in to conduct the health and wellbeing sessions, which had a focus on empowering young people to make good choices.”

An official graduation was held at the MatchWorks Head Office on June 2 and included a certificate presentation and speech from genU CEO Mike McKinstry and Geelong Cats player Jed Bews.