A new collaborative employment program – funded under the Victorian State Government's Victoriaworks for Job Seekers with Employment Challenges program – promises to give disadvantaged job seekers in Bass Coast a welcome boost.
Victoriaworks for Job Seekers with Employment Challenges – Bass Coast Water and Allied Industries Initiative Project brings people who have had difficulty accessing training together with job support agencies, employers and training providers including Chisholm Institute.
Young people, the disabled, indigenous groups and long-term unemployed are among those expected to benefit from the program.
“Congratulations Chisholm Institute of TAFE and to all those involved in this important employment initiative,” said Johan Scheffer, MLC for Eastern Victoria who launched the program, representing the Victorian Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation, Bronwyn Pike.
“The value of placing people into worthwhile jobs should not be underestimated and your efforts are greatly appreciated,” he said.
Participants gaining skills through the initiative will be able to take advantage of a range of new jobs created by the construction of the Victorian Desalination Project in Wonthaggi, including roles in civil construction, hospitality, security and business administration.
Speaking at the launch, Chisholm CEO Maria Peters praised the initiative for providing exciting opportunities to the people of the region.
“The strategic vision and purpose of Chisholm is to be the catalyst for dynamic career pathways in our region, accelerating social and economic prosperity through skills and qualifications,” said Mrs Peters, “This initiative is a shining example of how our vision can become reality.”
Mrs Peters added that Chisholm had already started delivering training in a number of skills areas including Construction and Water Industry Induction, Hospitality and Financial Services. “These skills give trainees sustainable long-term employment opportunities as well as being needed for the construction and maintenance of the Desalination Project,” she said.
Employers including Thiess Degremont, Bass Coast Shire and Philip Island Nature Parks and employment service agencies including Employment Innovations Australia were working with Chisholm to guide clients into appropriate vocational training and provide them with suitable employment opportunities. Chisholm will be delivering its training both at Chisholm Bass Coast Campus in Wonthaggi and at the Chisholm Education Centre located at the Koala Conservation Centre at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Victoriaworks is a suite of workforce participation programs designed to help Victorians who face barriers or challenges to employment to access sustainable employment opportunities. The program is managed and funded by the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD).
The launch was attended by a number of dignitaries, including The Hon Ken Smith, State Member for Bass, The Hon Russell Broadbent, Federal Member for McMillan and The Hon Peter Hall, Shadow Minister for Tertiary Education and Training.
Any interested participants or prospective employers should contact Chisholm Bass Coast on (03) 5671 2300.
