NARRE Community Learning centre will use a $50,000 funding boost to provide employment opportunities for young people.

The funding, part of the government’s Community Learning Partnerships (CLP) initiative, will assist the centre in providing educational opportunities for young people who are not suited to mainstream schooling.

Narre Community Learning Centre chief executive Wayne Hewitt said the grant would fund the South East Youth Learning Link program.

Beginning in February 2010, the 18 month program will have a horticulture focus and will be managed in partnership with Narre Community Learning Centre, Connections and Citywide.

“The venue at Connections on Webb Street where we are starting to run programs from, will be landscaped and beautified to teach young people landscaping and horticulture skills,” Mr Hewitt said.

Young people will work under the expert guidance of Citywide, to experience working in the field of landscaping and horticulture, with the prospect of pursuing further VET study or apprenticeships.