Jobs in Geelong: Help for jobless under new scheme

HUNDREDS of people in the Geelong region will be helped to find meaningful work under a new scheme.

Geelong Trades Hall march through the city in 2014 to display concern.

HUNDREDS of disadvantaged people in the Geelong region will be helped to find meaningful work under a new $2.8 million State Government scheme.

Retrenched auto sector workers, Aborigines, young people and those with a disability or mental illness will be targeted through the program to provide jobs in Geelong.

Five job service providers will be tasked to liaise with employers to find opportunities for people who require more intensive support to gain and retain work.

Industry and Employment Minister Wade Noonan said the providers would create mentoring programs, tailor support schemes and help overcome the myriad obstacles to employment for almost 500 people.

“We recognise that some people in our community face multiple barriers to work, which is why we are helping disadvantaged Victorians find work and keep it.”

Choice Career Services will be given $1.49m to support people who have lost jobs in the auto industry and have not secured ongoing work.

They will liaise with Auto Skills Australia and relevant unions to provide targeted individual support to ensure workers have the confidence and skills to transition to a new job.

“While we cannot guarantee the future of every individual, we are doing all that we can to help workers through this very difficult period,” Mr Noonan said.

Worn Gundidj, White Lion, Westvic Staffing Solutions and Give Where You Live, along with the City of Greater Geelong, will also take part in the Jobs Victoria Employment Network initiative.

“These providers will work hand-in-hand with local employers to support real job outcomes for disadvantaged people in Geelong,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.

The $2.8 million in Geelong region funding is part of $39 million that the Andrews Government will provide for the back-to-work push.

The Government believes federal programs such as jobactive are effective for people who are relatively job-ready, but sees its scheme as offering more intensive support for vulnerable residents.

Originally published as Jobs in Geelong: Help for jobless under new scheme