Graduates set on career paths
GRADUATION celebrations this week for participants in the National Green Jobs Corps (NGJC) were tinged with sadness.
The EnviTE team of volunteers are among the last to take part in the federally funded training program which winds up on June 30.
"We put together a petition of over 1000 signatures to try to get future funding for programs, but we're not very hopeful," EnviTE general manager Meg Nichols said.
"It was always a two-year project, but this will be the first time in 20 years there hasn't been a green project like this."
The end of the NGJC couldn't overshadow what had been a resounding success for local participants.
The team of EnviTE volunteers aged between 17 and 24 helped Coffs Harbour City Council complete the final section of the public walking track along Bonville Headland.
"The team has also undertaken bush regeneration activities including assisting natural regeneration, reconstruction by planting and fence installation," NGJC supervisor Marcello De Nardis said.
Four participants gained their Certificate II, while three others either gained employment or commenced full-time study.
Jacob Clarke was one of those to receive his certificate on Thursday.
The initially reluctant participant believes he may now have found his career path.
"When I started I was a bit iffy about it but I just got into it. I liked just getting out there and learning something, being able to prove I can do something," Jacob said.
