Campbellfield: Ford expo opens doors for car workers

Ford production workers have been introduced to financial advisers, services from three tiers of government and, most importantly, to 30 local employers during an expo at the Campbellfield plant.

With production to end in 2016, the company has created a transition team to work with all tiers of government over the next two years.

“We had a great turnout by all involved,” Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said of last week’s expo.

He said about 550 Ford production workers passed through the expo, stopping at information booths and meeting workforce representatives.

“We also conducted information sessions on topics including small business, government services, resume

´ writing, interviews and financial confidence,” Mr Sherwood said.

Ford is a contributor to the $24.5 million Melbourne’s North Industry Innovation Fund and a Geelong region fund.

The state government announced last week that $30 million will be available from this year’s state budget for a two-year fund for retraining automotive and supply chain workers, whose businesses are spread across Melbourne.

“The Coalition government will support workers in the automotive and supply chain sector to enhance their skills to take up new job opportunities,” Treasurer Michael O’Brien said.