Troublesmiths is managed by Impact Communities, the community arm of Workskills Inc. They are focused on reducing unemployment amongst young Tasmanians by providing them with valuable training and skills.
More than 150 young Tasmanians have been assisted by the program since it commenced in 2019. One of the highlights of the program is the production and retailing of high quality natural homewares and body products and all of the planning that goes into that process.
All products are sold through Troublesmiths HQ at 20 Watchorn Street in Hobart, where participants can be seen making many of the products and also spending time in the retail section.
Troublesmiths provides a broad range of practical skills to gain employment, but also transforms lives.
Participants involved receive life and professional/employment coaching, and support to reach their personal goals, often gaining employment, self-employment or further education opportunities.
At this networking breakfast, Mark Boonstra will share Troublesmiths unique recipe for success resulting in over 80% of participants gaining work or training outcomes due to the Troublesmiths initiative.
Presenter Bio:
Mark is the Manager of Impact Communities which is the "community arm" of Workskills Inc. Through Impact Communities Mark aims to increase opportunities for people and communities by delivering effective and innovative programs and services that address unmet needs.
Mark enjoys leadership, management, stakeholder engagement and networking and uses his innovative mind to make a difference in the communities in which he works.
Mark has had many years’ experience living and working in Indigenous settings both in Western Australia and Northern Territory. Primarily his work was with young people and their families in both school and community settings. His roles included the delivery of various schools based programs, predominantly in areas of low SES, aimed to increase protective factors, social connectedness, school retention and self-esteem.
Mark has designed, developed and delivered various programs to assist people in the development of life skills, employability skills and career pathways. This has been achieved collaboratively with community organisations with which he has built partnerships with.
FREE - Pay for own food/drink
CPD Points: 1.5 hours
CPD Competency: Diversity and Inclusion