What is Avenues?

Education is essential for a young person’s future success. Not only does it provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the workforce, but it also instils important values and builds resilience.

While the traditional school setting may work well for many students, there are some who require a different approach to education.

While all children are required to attend school, there are a number of common alternatives available that parents may decide are in their child’s best interests. These include homeschooling, distance education and independent or non-government school providers. However, these options are not right for every family or every child.

A young person may also choose to leave school to attend an alternative school, complete VET (vocational education training) or participate in an approved community based course if they have not been successful in regular schools. Financial hardship, behaviour, disciplinary issues, over-crowdedness, poor school performance and unsafe environments are some of the problems that may lead to a young person becoming disengaged from education.

Alternative education programs are designed to meet the needs of these students. Alternative schooling options provide opportunities for students who don’t fit into the government school system. By offering a safe and supportive learning environment for at-risk youth, programs like Avenues give at-risk youth the chance to access quality education and learn the skills they need to succeed.

Alternative schooling options are important because they give all students the chance to get an education and reach their full potential. The Avenues program aims to support disengaged young people and educationally at-risk students in Western Australia, by providing a safe and supportive environment in which they can learn and grow.

Avenues AEP aims to support young people at risk to:

• Provide students with the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
• Improve literacy and numeracy skills.
• Understand and develop practical life skills such as budgeting, money management, health and well-being.
• Re-engage with their education and gradually work towards transitioning them into school, training or employment.
• Explore pathways to employment, training or further studies such as learning a trade or apprenticeships.
• The Avenues program is offered by Centacare, a registered training organisation and is funded by the Department of Education.

Through the provision of alternative education programs such as Avenues, young people who have disengaged from their education are given the opportunity to improve their future prospects.

Avenues is an alternative education program that provides an opportunity for you to engage in a variety of activities that can help you in many areas of your life.

• If you want to develop strong literacy and numeracy skills, Avenues can provide you with an engaging and supportive environment.
• If you’re looking to explore pathways to training or further education, Avenues can help you identify opportunities and develop the skills you need to succeed.
• If you need to get your white card or prepare for the learner’s permit test, Avenues can provide you with the resources and support you need.
• If you’re hoping to find full-time employment, the work readiness program will help you gain the skills and confidence you need to enter the workforce.
• And if you’re looking to develop confidence with technology, write job applications, resumes and cover letters, or practise good health and well-being, Avenues can help you in all of these areas.

So whether you’re looking for general education and training or returning to full-time schooling, Avenues can help you meet your goals.