The Andrews Labor Government is creating hundreds of jobs for women in logistics and warehousing, providing opportunities where they are needed most and breaking down gender barriers in a crucial industry.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today unveiled Jobs Victoria Women in Warehousing, a program that provides secure jobs and training while addressing a skills shortage in the sector.
Some 200 women aged 45 and over will begin new careers with employers like Woolworths - which is receiving the program's first intake of recruits this month. Jennifer Wilson and Diana Imbrogno are among the program's pioneers, beginning new careers after experiencing significant hardship as a result of the pandemic.
Ms Wilson and Ms Imbrogno are receiving on the job training at the Woolworths Distribution Centre in Dandenong South, earning a steady income while building the skills they need for a new career.
The Women in Warehousing recruits will work at some of the most sophisticated distribution centres in Victoria and perform a variety of tasks including stock picking and pallet management, crucial to keeping Victorians well supplied as the state reopens and trade increases in the lead-in to Christmas.
Women in Warehousing is supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, which is creating 10,000 steady and secure jobs for those most affected by the pandemic. Job opportunities are being advertised on the Jobs Victoria online hub with more employers to progressively come on board.
Jobs Victoria works with employers in sectors with workforce demand and supports people who are looking for work to secure and train for new roles. More information about the program is available at jobs.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
"The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on the jobs of women, particularly older women - that's why it's vital that we provide this support."
"Warehousing and logistics is a growing sector and with on-the-job training these are jobs that can become careers and change people's lives."
As stated by Woolworths Acting Chief Supply Chain Officer Chris Brooks
"We're pleased to partner with Jobs Victoria and Chandler Macleod on this important initiative to offer women from a range of different backgrounds the chance to build a great career in the supply chain at Woolworths."
As stated by Woolworths recruit Jennifer Wilson
"I am so excited by this opportunity. Knowing that I will be working again will help me and my family so much. The future looks brighter and I feel so fortunate to have found this program - it is unbelievable."
As stated by Woolworths recruit Diana Imbrogno
"Given what I have been through with the loss of my business due to the pandemic, this could change my life and the lives of my children. Having regular employment will relieve me of enormous stress and worry."
