$650,000 of funding has been allocated to projects assisting job seekers in the Yorke and Mid North region as part of the Commonwealth Government's Regional Employment Trials (RET) program in 10 selected disadvantaged regions.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Michaelia Cash said the RET program is another way the Morrison Government is creating more job opportunities for regional Australia.
"I am determined to ensure that job seekers in regional areas are given all the assistance they need to gain sustainable employment," Minister Cash said.
"The Morrison Government is committed to supporting local communities and continuing to provide practical and tailored assistance to those job seekers who need it."
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said the RET programme is a prime example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to achieve common goals.
"With funding from Commonwealth, and the support of Regional Development Australia, this true collaborative effort has already seen six employment projects funded, with more in development," Minister Pisoni said.
"This is a positive step towards matching the demand for skilled workers in our regions; complementing the many state government-funded Skilling South Australia Projects, worth more than $13 million, now underway across the state."
As part of the RET program, an Employment Facilitator is appointed in 10 trial regions; working directly with local stakeholders to identify strategies to address local employment issues and help unemployed people prepare for and find work.
Employment Facilitator for Yorke and Mid North, Lisa Brock, says a recent Port Pire Jobs Fair funded by the Commonwealth Government attracted 35 exhibitors and over 500 attendees-demonstrating the willingness of Yorke and Mid North residents to engage with career opportunities when the right support is on offer.
"The RET program allows me to work with community members to establish practical measures supporting job seekers, such as the new Driver Training Program helping 36 Peterborough job seekers gain their licence or progress towards their licence," Ms Brock said.
"Another example is the Heavy Industry and Trades Program, which was developed to provide around 50 job seekers with a diverse range of skills, experience and support in sectors where there is strong industry demand for workers.
"In addition to aiming to support participants towards apprenticeships, traineeships or full employment as labourers, operators or trade assistants, this program ensures the region has a pool of work-ready people for local businesses to draw upon."
Minister Pisoni recently visited Port Pirie to meet with local business owners and attend the SA Country Football Championship events to discuss the state government's recent partnership with SANFL to promote skilled careers.
"This partnership takes advantage of the SANFL's unrivalled reach across the community, so we can more widely promote the benefits of traineeships and apprenticeships," Minister Pisoni said.
