
30 May 2003
Attention: Ms S Linke
The Institution of Engineers, Australia
South Australia Division
11 Bagot Street
NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006
Dear Ms Linke
LETTER OF SUPPORT – ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2003
The Playford Partnership is a whole of government
(agency) approach to achieve the revitalisation of the City of
Playford, which has been in severe social decline for a number of
decades. The model is a clear recognition that a joint approach by
all agencies to the planning and provision of services would be far
more effective than each other continuing to provide services in an
uncoordinated manner. The partnership provides an opportunity to
link together growing local and regional industry and employment
opportunities to the education, training, employment and health
needs of the community.
The Northern Adelaide region has a significantly
high level of technology based employment precincts with employers
experiencing growth. The problem lies in that our local young people
are not being trained in a way that meets the requirements of our
local industry. The Playford Partnership is working with
organisations like Holden and Defence to provide the linkages
between our employers and potential employees to ensure that our
industry has a local workforce.
Another key problem is that the young people are
not engaged in projects that are relevant and interesting to them.
This has resulted in an extremely high level of unemployment for our
young people especially in the 15-19 year olds where unemployment is
averaging 30%.
Programs such as the UniSA peer mentoring program
are vital to the successful revitalisation of our region. The key to
our future is in our young people, providing them with opportunities
to reach their potential and enjoy fulfilling career and lifestyle
opportunities. The schools in this region are very limited with
their resources, finding it difficult to implement new programs
without assistance. The peer mentoring program will provide our
schools with the necessary skills and motivation for the teachers to
undertake programs which are traditionally not in the curriculum.
Should you wish to clarify any of the above or seek further
information, please do not hesitate to contact me on telephone
number 0417 842 217.