COMMUNITY preparedness starts with the younger generations as National Youth week gets well under way.

Young people on the Southern Downs are invited to attend the Youth Disaster Games and volunteer training challenge this Friday and Saturday.

The workshops are aimed at people 15-25 years old who want to gain valuable skills to prepare them for disaster.

Southern Downs Regional Council community recovery officer Pam Burley said it is hoped the event will give young people the skills they need to volunteer for emergency services in future.

"The benefit to us is we're increasing awareness for the need for volunteering." Mrs Burley said.

"We're giving them training to be prepared, and building the capacity of the community and volunteer base."

Day One of the workshop will see participants learn about the value of volunteering, especially in disaster response contexts, and other skills like communication, workplace health and safety, and how to register as a volunteer.

Day Two will have with representatives from police, SES, Killarney first response, and rural and urban fire services talking about their areas.

Attendees will then get to put these skills into practice by competing in a team challenge.

"It's a fun way to learn about emergency services, with the idea they may want to volunteer with these services" Mrs Burley said.

This is the first time the workshop is being held, but Mrs Burley said that if successful a similar event could be included in Get Ready Week later in the year.

The event, held as part of National Youth Week, is free but places are limited with registrations closing by close of business today.

The Youth Disaster Games will be held at the Douglas Feez Pavilion at the Warwick Showgrounds April 17 and 18.