ARE INTERNSHIPS FREE LABOUR OR OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE?

As I mentioned on LinkedIn over the week - I believe it s a real shame that 645 school students per term will no longer have the chance to do work experience with The Warehouse's recently announced structural changes (article https://lnkd.in/gyiXMiw from today's Dom Post).

There are clearly two sides:

Union perspective "it does displace people - its free labour" - aka BAD

Employer perspective "it gives students increased knowledge, self belief and self-esteem, teaching them essential skills" - aka GOOD

Unemployment and challenges to get work is often highest among the younger generation (under 25s) and I believe legitimate, well structured, short term opportunity to gain real life experiences should be encouraged.

Yes there are companies wanting free labour. Having worked for 5 years with hundreds of students doing internships I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly!!! But I have seen golden examples of where it really launches a young persons career!

Ultimately giving people a crack at something, especially the younger generation in a supported environment build enterprise and initiative. Isn't that what we want?

Love to hear from The Warehouse Group The Warehouse if they can keep it going! #retail