Jobs numbers promote false optimism in Geelong, Elaine Carbines says

GEELONG’S overall unemployment figures are obscuring an uncomfortable truth, a prominent community leader says.

Geelong’s overall unemployment rates are obscuring the real truth in disadvantaged communities, Elaine Carbines says.

AREAS  with unemployment levels nudging 20 per cent are the real truth in Geelong’s challenging jobs market, ­according to G21 regional ­alliance chief Elaine Carbines.

Formal statistics showing the region running at slightly above the state unemployment average obscure the harsh ­realities faced by many.

G21 chief Elaine Carbines.

“Our unemployment is registering about 5.5 per cent at the moment, which I think gives us a false sense of optimism about employment circumstances in the region,” Mrs Carbines said.

“It masks some very high levels of unemployment, particularly for young people in some of our most disadvantaged communities, such as Corio, Norlane, Whittington and Colac.

“In some areas it’s nudging 20 per cent, so that’s a real concern and I think the jobs market is very hard for young people.

“Employers tend to like to employ people with experience and it’s very hard to get experience if you’re a young ­job­seeker.”

Mrs Carbines spoke as a ­national News Corp campaign to secure 5000 jobs in 50 days exceeded 7000 jobs secured in less than a fortnight.

“My own two children found it really hard to break into the job market and certainly had to do many other hospitality-type jobs before they were able to get anywhere in their chosen fields,” she said.

“It’s even harder if you don’t have any formal qualifications.

“G21 is working with Give Where You Live to really focus our efforts on finding employment for people living in our targeted areas which are Corio, Norlane, Whittington and Colac.”

Mrs Carbines urged ­impending job seekers to stay at school for as long as possible and if possible to seek further training.

“It’s very important to have a qualification under your belt. It’s becoming a really difficult and competitive market if you don’t finish your education,” she said.

“I think it’s really important to seize opportunities when you can. Even doing some volunteer work helps you in your appeal to employers. They see that you’ve been prepared to volunteer your time to gain ­experience and in that way it separates you from people who don’t make that effort.”

She also urged first job seekers to not give up.

“Reach out to other people, look for people you respect in your circle of friends and family and community, and seek advice from them,” she said.

“Many people have found it hard to get their first job.”

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Originally published as Jobs numbers promote false optimism in Geelong, Elaine Carbines says