5000 jobs in 50 days tops 7700 pleges at the halfway point.

MORE than 100 employers have pledged 7702 jobs for first-time jobseekers across Australia at the halfway mark of the 5000 jobs in 50 days campaign.

Sarah Aspinall-Hill is 18yrs and looking for work anwhere from reception and the office, hospitality, waiting or the arts. Picture: Annette Dew

MORE than 100 employers have pledged 7702 jobs for first-time jobseekers across Australia at the halfway mark of the 5000 jobs in 50 days campaign.

Entry-level roles ranging from apprentices and administration workers to sales and storepersons are on offer at 117 organisations nationwide to workers under the age of 25 and/or are starting out in the workforce for the first time.

Jobs require no experience to be employed, with most employers citing they want staff who have the right attitude, but rather than being a dead-end job, most positions available lead to careers.

The 5000 jobs target was met within four days of the campaign starting on August 20, however, employers are urged to continue outlining their entry-level vacancies available.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics last month recorded 280,900 young Australians as unemployed and looking for work.

Hundreds of jobs have been pledged by small businesses from Perth to Sydney, while Mantra Group is the latest national organisation to pledge hospitality jobs.

Its human resources executive director Cherie McGill said it was pledging more than 60 roles to the campaign.

“Mantra Group has a real need for passionate team members and offers a multitude of roles suitable for first-time jobseekers,” she said.

“For many of our entry-level roles, such as food and beverage attendants, room attendants and guest service agents, experience is just a bonus.

“What we’re really looking for are candidates who embody our company values and service culture.

“We also offer an extensive in-house training program which assists all of our team members, regardless of their level, with career development.”

The Housing Industry Association is pledging 83 construction trade apprenticeships across mainland states through its HIA Apprentices organisation.

National business development manager Chris Fortune said as it hired the apprentices, then hosted them out to employers, it could offer young workers a constant stream of on-the-job training, even if the work dried up with one employer.

Support and counselling provided by field officers also meant workers were guided to the right opportunities for them, he said.

“Changing apprenticeship streams is challenging, but we’ve had people start in carpentry and not enjoy the outdoor lifestyle ... we identified it’s a trade for them, and it’s not the right trade, and moved them into joinery or cabinet making,” he said.

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

View jobs by location on the interactive map and stay connected with campaign updates at www.facebook.com/5000Jobs/

Originally published as 5000 jobs in 50 days tops 7700 pleges at the halfway point.