News Corp Australia’s 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign creates 10541 first time jobs pledged

NEWS Corp Australia’s 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign ends today with a total of 10,541 first-time jobs pledged by 136 employers.

NEWS Corp Australia’s 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign ends today with a total of 10,541 first-time jobs pledged by 136 employers across the nation.

The campaign — which aimed to address high youth unemployment by encouraging companies to give inexperienced workers a chance — smashed its target by day four and doubled it by day 38.

Major employers to embrace the campaign included Domino’s, Coles, McDonald’s, KFC and Viterra Operations, which together accounted for more than half the positions.

The rest were pledged by a range of employers from real estate agencies and takeaway stores to hotels and apprentice managers.

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“The 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign has helped provide thousands of people with a strong start to their career and we’re thrilled to have been a part of it,” Coles human resources director Amanda Fleming said.

“Regardless of experience, we offer a huge amount of training to support our team members and there are a lot of opportunities to build great careers at Coles.”

Domino’s Group chief executive and managing director Don Meij said his company had about 2500 positions for pizza makers, store workers and delivery drivers on the back of their new menu launch.

“We were excited to be involved in News Corp’s 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign because we know that for many young people these jobs are the first step on a rewarding career pathway,” he said.

Mantra Group executive director of human resources Cherie McGill said for many entry-level hospitality roles, experience was just a bonus.

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

“We have a longstanding history of giving many jobseekers their first role in the industry, and providing them a solid foundation for a highly productive career in hospitality, so we’re thrilled to participate in News Corp’s overwhelmingly successful campaign to shine a light on youth unemployment and the many job opportunities available to young Australians.”

Roles pledged to the campaign are already beginning to be filled.

James Makepeace, 21, landed a role as a food and beverage attendant at Mantra on View Hotel at Surfer’s Paradise.

“I have only worked a handful of shifts so far but I’m loving it already,” he said.

“Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming. I feel like part of the team only a few days into my new role.”

Ms McGill said Mr Makepeace was chosen for his can-do attitude and passion to work for Mantra.

“James can be taught the specific skill sets required for the role but what we really need are people with a friendly attitude, a passion to learn, and a commitment to our guests, and this is what James brought to his interview,” she said.

Matt Watson, 19, landed an electrical apprenticeship with Mailex Electrical Contractors through apprentice manager Novaskill.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to start my apprenticeship with Novaskill and love the work I have been doing with Mailec,” he said.

“This is definitely the right career for me and I can’t wait to learn even more about the trade.”

Novaskill JobMatch field officer Nikola Vercoe said her company was committed to developing young people from raw first year apprentices into skilled tradespeople.

“Apprenticeships are not as easy to get as they used to be, however we are constantly challenging host employers to help get young people into trades to secure the future for these industries,” she said.

Matt Watson was given an electrician’s apprentice by Novaskill through the 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

The 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign worked for John Missos, who was given a carpentry apprenticeship by Quinlan Joinery. Picture: Nicole Cleary

John Missos, 19, landed a joinery and cabinet making apprenticeship with Quinlan Joinery after about two months looking for work.

He said employers who take on inexperienced people give them a chance to have a job they care about, not just whatever pays.

Quinlan Joinery owner Marty Quinlan said he was happy with his new apprentice.

“Although he’s quiet, he doesn’t mind rolling his sleeves up and getting on with it. No fuss and there’s no mucking about. So far so good,” he said.

“As it is in most trades, if someone has a good work ethic and they are self-motivated you can teach them to be anything.”

The campaign may be over but employers are encouraged to keep the message alive and continue giving first-time workers a go.

Youth unemployment is more than twice the rate of the general Australian population, at 12.8 per cent for 15-24 year olds, compared to 5.7 per cent.

Young jobseekers interested in roles pledged to the campaign can view an interactive job map via facebook.com/5000Jobs

JOBS FOUND BY STATE (excluding unspecified roles from Coles, KFC, Domino’s and McDonald’s)

VICTORIA: 458

NSW: 828

QUEENSLAND: 904

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: 1739

WEST AUSTRALIA: 40

TASMANIA: 81

NORTHERN TERRITORY: 1

ACT: 0

NATIONAL: 6490

TOTAL 10541

Originally published as News Corp Australia’s 5000 Jobs in 50 Days campaign creates 10541 first time jobs pledged