T2S Program
Since 2017, Peirson Farms has hosted The Transition to Success program in Bundaberg. The program is delivered by Youth Justice to people ages 15-17 who are involved in the youth justice system or are at risk of entering. The T2S program uses vocational training and a therapeutic service model to change the lives of young people and our community. As part of our partnership in support, a youth worker from Peirson Services is also on site to provide additional support during the duration of the program.
Evaluation of the program found that after completion, T2S graduates are less likely to reoffend and spend less time in custody. Transition to Success leads to further engagement with either education, employment, training, or another T2S course.
We work to prevent young people entering into youth detention, we mentor those who do, and we support those who are transitioning back into society.
Awards/Recognitions:
QLD Child Protection Award, 2020- Former General Manager, Adrian Crush
IP@K Program
Integrated Pathways at Kepnock (IP@K) is a 12-week program that gives students aged 11 to 13 years at Kepnock State High School in Bundaberg Queensland the opportunity to get hands-on learning experiences with leaders in the region’s agricultural sector.
The program is targeted towards students who are disengaged from school to give them new opportunities to learn outside the classroom while encouraging growth in the local labour force for agriculture.
Young people in Bundaberg are facing a 33% third generation unemployment rate. IP@K aims to provide more options and pathways to learn, fostering an understanding of employment and building career aspirations.
Peirson Farms was one of eight businesses involved in the 2022 pilot program by taking students through the ins and outs of avocado farming from growing to getting the avocados to market. In 2023, we continued our participation as one of 23 supporting businesses in Bundaberg delivering sessions to 50 participating students.
