Jobs campaign gets interest from jobseekers and employers

NEWS Corp’s nationwide 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign is already working hard, with plenty of interest from jobseekers and employers.

NEWS Corp’s nationwide 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign is already working hard, with plenty of interest from jobseekers and employers.

Hours after the Weekend Post hit the stands on Saturday, emails started flowing in locally.

And in just three days big business across the country pledged 4760 positions for new jobseekers.

Today we profile five jobseekers who just want to be given a chance.

Do you have a job for a first-time jobseeker? Send an email to [e-mail] and join our campaign.

April keen to secure office gig

April Howarth, 19,who has started a business administration course is looking for her first job. PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

April Howarth has been looking for a job since December. The 19-year-old lives with her mum at Bentley Park but said daily living costs were difficult to meet.

She is completing a Diploma in Business Administration and hoped to get a start as a receptionist or office assistant.

But no one can give her a much-needed first break.

“It’s not just my age, it’s because I don’t have 20 years experience,” she said. “I’ve applied for jobs in Brisbane, Sydney, all over the place. I’m prepared to travel but they also say they’ve found someone with more experience.”

Rocky start to new life

Tin Hlaing is a Burmese refugee looking for work to provide for his wife and daughter.

TIN Hlaing’s new life in Australia is off to a rocky start.

The Burmese refugee has been in Cairns for two years and worked on banana plantations as a labourer.

But two months ago the work dried up and he has been trying to find a position as a kitchen hand.

“I have to pay $150 for my rent each week and even that is too much,” Mr Hlaing said. “I don’t have a licence because I can’t pay for it and I have to walk everywhere, which takes a long time.”

The 36-year-old will start studying English again soon but needs to provide for his wife and daughter.

Mr Hlaing worked as a plumber in his native country and for 16 years in Malaysia.

Help to follow dream

A SPOT in a global talent competition has spurred Taniesha Lewis on to find her first job.

The 16-year-old Redlynch schoolgirl would love a job in retail to provide experience and skills needed later in life.

“I’m not really picky, but I’d love a job in retail or babysitting,” Taniesha said.

“Right now I’m saving up for the World Championship of Performing Arts in LA – I do singing and modelling.

“But I’d like to build my experiences, learn customer service and all those aspects involved in finding a job.”

The Peace Lutheran College student said she had started doorknocking for work.

Chasing a fulltime role

Jobseeker Michael Steinmaier is looking for a fulltime or permanament job. PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

After moving from Germany 18 months ago, Michael Steinmaier has worked a few piecemeal jobs but would love a fulltime role.

The 42-year-old has extensive experience as a tour guide and has worked in Cairns and Northern Territory as a bus driver and guide.

At the moment, any role would be welcome, though. “Fulltime work – that would be perfect,” he said.

“But at the moment I don’t care as long as whatever I get can cover my costs.

“The sugarcane harvest would be perfect.”

Mr Steinmaier holds a construction card, first-aid certificate, HR licence and an ABN.

One response out of 80

Ross Bester, is looking for security work, just moved home to Cairns from Kununurra, WA. For 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

DOWN to his last $1000, Ross Bester swallowed his pride two months ago and walked into Centrelink.

The 48-year-old returned home to Cairns in March and has not been able to find a job.

Mr Bester, from Holloways Beach, spent nine years working as a security guard at Kununurra, Western Australia.

“I had no idea what the jobs market was like here,” he said.

“Since the end of March, I’ve had five weeks of work, it’s been bits and pieces here and there.

“Out of 80 job applications, I only had one response.”

Mr Bester said he had done some contract work in Aurukun and was willing to travel for a job. He was also willing to take on cleaning roles.

Originally published as Jobs campaign gets interest from jobseekers and employers