By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
FOLLOWING the success of the first Green Army project in the Dandenong Ranges, the Federal Government has opened up applications for a second round of recruits.
The Green Army is open to 17-24-year-olds in La Trobe, who will become part of the largest team of young Australians supporting engagagement in environmental action across the nation.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood encouraged young people to become involved, saying participants gain valuable skills during the experience.
“The second round of the Green Army projects are set to get underway in the coming weeks and young people who want to gain valuable skills, training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields are encouraged to register their interest,” he said.
The young people will work on local environmental projects, including the Dandenong Wandering Trad Project managed by Conservation Volunteers Australia and sponsored by the Community Weed Alliance of the Dandenongs.
Less than two weeks ago, Mr Wood attended the graduation of the first intake of Green Army participants, teelign them they had gained skills that will make them stand out to employers.
He is encouraging other young people to get involved for the same reason.
“Green Army participants will be able to undertake accredited training such as work readiness, conservation and land management, heritage conservation, project and human resource management and heritage trade skills,” he said.
“We know that after an incredibly successful round one, most participants have moved on to gain employment and all have attained their training certificates in the Green Army projects of La Trobe.”
The Green Army was a key election commitment of the coalition, with $525 million allocated to the program over four years. It is one of the Government’s major environmental initiatives and aims to support local environment and heritage conservation projects nationwide.
It will also provide training to 15,000 young Australians by 2018.
Young people interested in applying for the second round of the Green Army recruits can do so through appointed service providers for each state and territory. Contact details are available from www.environment.gov.au/green-army
