The 'Get SET for your future' program is being driven by the Australian Technical College - Spencer Gulf and Outback, in partnership with local industries and Australian and South Australian Government bodies.

Get SET is aimed at youth under 19 years of age in Port Augusta and surrounding areas who are either unemployed or underemployed and who did not complete their secondary schooling.

The goal is to link these young people with a trade through an Australian school-based apprenticeship and for them to complete their South Australian Certificate of Education and go on to gain future employment.

The initiative will begin with an 11-week program designed to assist participants in successfully gaining an apprenticeship.

Director of Education and Training at the Technical College Robin O'Dea said that the program "will teach them things they have to know to get a job," such as literacy and numeracy as well as valuable social skills.

Support with the transition into a school and work environment will be provided to the participants as well as assistance in helping them increase their confidence and build up their self-esteem.

All of this together will help to create an environment where participants have the right attitude and behaviours towards learning, interacting with others and working as a team.

General Manager of Human Recourses with OneSteel Alan Tidswell said that the program is "good news for Port Augusta" and will give participants "the confidence they need to get them ready for work".

"It will help to get many young peoples lives back on track - to change their future, " Mr Tidswell said.

The program will not only help to decrease the number of youths in the region who are under 20 and unemployed, which currently stands at more than 350, but it will create skilled workers for booming trade industries.

These industries include boiler making, fitting, machining, electrical, instrumentation, welding and automotive, all of which are listed on the national skills needed list.