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A MARYBOROUGH man faced with long-term generational unemployment is spreading a message of hope after landing his first job within weeks of offering to work for free.
Adam Golding, 19, was tired of being refused job interviews so approached a bakery with an idea.
"I offered to work for free until I got my foot in the door," he said.
Adam's initiative meant he did not become another statistic in the rising number of unemployed Australians aged under 20.
Data published this month in the National Centre for Social Modelling income and wealth report reveals the unemployment rate of 15 to 19-year-olds is at 27 per cent.
The study says young people under 20 are four-and-a-half times more likely to be unemployed than older Australians.
Anglicare Victoria chief executive Paul McDonald says youth not only face a tougher job market, but they also face social barriers.
"Generational unemployment is now well rooted in many regional and fringe metropolitan communities, and in terms of role modelling, the emerging teenager in these families faces the likelihood of falling into a lifestyle of itinerancy in unemployment and housing," Mr McDonald said.
"It would be remarkable with this 'DNA' if they present with any aspirations for a secure and prosperous future."
Since leaving school after Year 11, Adam sat at home for two years 'doing nothing'.
He said this was not unusual and that many of his friends were in the same situation.
Adam said unemployment was a generational issue for many in his town.
"(My mother) never worked really, only when she was younger," Adam said.
He said some his friends showed little interest in finding a job.
"I know a couple of people who have been offered jobs but they don’t take them because they don’t want to do that work," Adam said.
"They’re getting money anyway for nothing, so why should they do something."
Adam became motivated to work after his sister got a job and started earning more than the minimum Centrelink wage.
Adam said he realised he could start providing for himself and save to buy a house.
"I want to do my part for the community," he said.
Red House Bakery owner Kurt Townsing said he was impressed by Adam's enthusiasm when he approached him asking to work for free.
"If you can show you are willing to work, then I'm happy to employ you," Mr Townsing said.
Adam said many of his friends did not seem to show the same motivation to enter the job market.
"A lot of people just hand out their resumes and hope for the best," he said.
"Nothing’s just going to get handed to you.
"Over the couple of years I’ve realised, you’ve got to put yourself out there."