The Karratha Jobs and Skills Centre was officially launched today by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery at North Regional TAFE.
The centre will support the workforce needs of the Pilbara region of Western Australia by providing quality guidance, advice and information on careers, training and employment to job seekers, employers and Aboriginal community stakeholders.
Jobs and Skills Centres, a key McGowan Government election commitment, provide a one-stop shop offering free training information and career development services to job seekers, students and career changers in the local community.
Western Australians can access practical information on employment and apprenticeship opportunities from a skilled team of career professionals with industry partnerships and direct links into work.
The centre will also provide local businesses and employers with business and workforce development advice to create employment, apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.
The new Karratha Jobs and Skills Centre is supported by career services from Empowering People in Communities (EPIC) and Aboriginal services from Bloodwood Tree.
Aboriginal people are a key priority client group, and extensive local stakeholder consultation was undertaken to ensure Aboriginal people benefit from the new service delivery model.
Outreach services are provided at other locations throughout the Pilbara including in Newman, South Hedland and Roebourne.
Since opening in November 2018, the Karratha Jobs and Skills Centre and outreach centres in Newman and South Hedland have provided mentoring support, job application assistance and career guidance to more than 266 clients.
After moving to Karratha and spending six unsuccessful months looking for work, Kathleen de Beer sought assistance applying for jobs from the Karratha Jobs and Skills Centre. Kathleen has since been successful in securing a local administration role.
Jobs and Skills Centres are complemented by a comprehensive website resource that includes a job notice board, qualification lists and a course search feature.
The Jobs and Skills WA website is available at https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"We now have 13 Jobs and Skills Centres operating in regional and metropolitan areas throughout Western Australia including in Bunbury, Broome, Albany and Karratha.
"The Karratha Jobs and Skills Centre is a positive step forward in the provision of practical assistance to local businesses, industry and jobseekers in the Pilbara."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"The centre will bridge the gap between training and employment in the region, ensuring regional growth and diversification of the Pilbara's economy.
"Bloodwood Tree's drop-in centre at South Hedland will also provide complementary cultural-based services such as driving lessons and mental health support services."
