The Morrison Government's Local Jobs Program has completed its roll out of Employment Facilitators in all 51 employment regions. The nation-wide expansion was funded as part of the $276.3 million boost to the highly successful Local Jobs Program in this year's Federal Budget.
Employment Facilitators help local job seekers get into work. They support the delivery of the Local Jobs Program bringing together key stakeholders including employers, employment services providers, higher education and training organisations to work collaboratively to address the priorities identified in the Employment Region's dedicated Local Jobs Plan. They also chair Local Jobs and Skills Taskforces which help guide local solutions to local workforce challenges.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, took the opportunity to address the Employment Facilitators as they gathered online and in four capital cities, for a conference today themed Working together to deliver local solutions for local communities.
'As our regions emerge from lockdowns it is essential that we continue to create opportunities for businesses to connect with workers they need, that is what our Local Jobs Program is all about' Minister Robert said.
'More than ever, we want to ensure local job seekers can gain meaningful employment. Our Local Jobs Program is a chance to make a real difference and help local communities'.
Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, Luke Howarth, credited the Local Jobs Program with providing local solutions to local challenges.
'Employment Facilitators help local communities drive local solutions to local challenges by bringing together local businesses, training providers and job seekers to support employment growth,' Assistant Minister Howarth said.
'Upskilling, reskilling and establishing employment pathways is especially important for addressing the needs of young people beginning work for the first time.'
Case studies:
In Bunbury, WA, 11 young Aboriginal job seekers completed a program earlier this year, allowing them to obtain the skills they need to work in civil construction. Of those, seven have secured employment with local employers.
Kala Notman, the Employment Facilitator in the NSW Hunter region, coordinated a hospitality mentoring and employment project that catered for up to 30 participants. The 'Jobs in the Valley and Vines' program in the NSW Hunter region included a 30-hour work placement for each participant. Seventeen of the participants found work and are now helping the Hunter Valley reopen with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Another nine are expected to start a job in the coming weeks.
Background:
On 1 July 2021, the Local Jobs Program was expanded from 25 Employment Regions to cover all 51 Employment Regions across Australia and extended until 30 June 2025. More details about the Local Jobs Program can be found at: www.dese.gov.au/local-jobs-program
The Local Jobs Program brings together expertise, resources and access to funding at the local level to support job seekers and their communities in each region. The program has a particular focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways and is part of supporting Australia's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
