New Youth Mayor to share insights on the challenges young jobseekers face

Congratulations to Aaron Quarrell, recently appointed Youth Mayor of Frankston, in Melbourne’s outer south east. Aaron’s career progress has been remarkable since he first came to the Brotherhood in 2017 to take part in a youth employment program

After Year 12 Aaron had struggled to find work, applying for jobs, but never hearing back. When he joined our employment program he received tailored support, and was selected for a business internship with a local company. He then completed a business administration traineeship with the Brotherhood’s David Scott School, before attaining an admin role there, and getting promoted to learning technologies coordinator.

He believes there are no quick fixes to youth unemployment, but says young people have to be at the centre of finding solutions.

‘The most valuable support I got at the Brotherhood was just having someone to check in with, someone who would encourage me to apply for jobs which I might have considered myself too inexperienced for,’ Aaron says.

‘My main objective is to advocate for young people to connect with their communities, and for the community to draw on their knowledge. I think some of the most pressing issues in Frankston include youth disengagement, drug and alcohol dependency, homelessness and mental health support.’

Brotherhood State Manager, Youth, Elysia Delaine says tailored assistance for young people to enter a changing labour market is critical. ‘Young people like Aaron have so many talents and skills to offer employers but are often overlooked due to a lack of experience. Having a program that connects local employers to local young people in a meaningful way is one way the Brotherhood is working to reduce unemployment across the Frankston region.’