The Skill Engineer Ltd. in Broome, WA, transforms lives with hands-on training, but its program faces critical funding challenges threatening its future.
In Broome, Western Australia, The Skill Engineer Ltd. is transforming the lives of youth involved in the criminal justice system and those with poor school attendance
In less than 12 months, this unique social enterprise has reshaped the futures of 60 participants through hands-on engineering, rural skills training, bush barber services, and a vibrant youth-led coffee shop.
CEO of The Skill Engineer Ltd., Maggie MacFie, explains, “Our participants include non-school attenders and street-present youth, some of whom, although enrolled, have not attended school for up to two years. Many face challenges such as homelessness, domestic violence, drug and substance abuse, and household overcrowding.”
“Of the 60 participants from 2023 to 2024, 25% secured full-time or part-time employment, another 25% returned to school, and the rest benefit from Transition to Work and Reconnect initiatives or alternate learning options such as TAFE.”
“Through pastoral care, wrap-around support, and engagement in projects like crafting their own e-scooter and developing vocational skills, we have achieved staggering success.”
“What began as a program to re-engage youth in education post-COVID-19 has highlighted the need for meaningful activities for hundreds of Broome youth needing extra support to improve their prospects outside traditional educational models.”
Despite its success, The Skill Engineer Ltd. faces a critical challenge due to short-term and insufficient funding, jeopardising the social and economic outcomes for at risk youth in the region.
“As our current funding ends in 2025, we are actively seeking additional support to sustain and expand our efforts,” she adds. “Without sustainable funding, we cannot continue to run this valuable program.”
“We know it works. We’re witnessing firsthand the impact on our participants, some of whom haven’t left their homes in up to six months but now attend daily.”
“We’re actively engaging with their families, coming in contact with cousins and siblings also at home or on the streets, desperately needing meaningful activities and the right support services to enhance their well-being and increase their social and civic participation,” explains MacFie.
The Skill Engineer Ltd. currently relies on funding from small grants and philanthropic donations to run its program and is actively seeking additional funds to continue in 2025. Enrolments for 2024 are full, with many participants on the waiting list.
For more information, or for an interview with program participants or CEO please contact Charlotte Dickie on 0432 806 041 or charlotte.dickie@theskillengineer.com.au.
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