By Jessica Micallef
Melbourne’s north west is a hot spot for youth unemployment, a new report reveals.
A report from the Brotherhood of St Lawrence analysing unemployment data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed the north west region is one of six areas with a high rate of unemployment among 15-24 years olds.
The region, which covers Hume, has a youth unemployment rate of 13.3 per cent.
By comparison, 4.4 per cent of young people living in Melbourne’s north east – which covers Whittlesea – are unemployed.
Brotherhood of St Laurence executive director Conny Lenneberg said the organisation’s research and experience showed many young people are doing it tough.
“We remain especially concerned at how young people without qualifications and skills or family networks are tracking in this rapidly changing economic and social environment,” she said.
“We also know that from our practical experience that all young jobseekers in Australia need to have access to a specialist youth employment service, a one-stop-shop dedicated to their needs.
“We still have a fragmented response to employment services for young people.”
Hume planning and development director Michael Sharp said the council was “committed to supporting Hume residents to gain employment”.
Mr Sharp said the council worked closely with industry and business to promote Hume as a place for new business and supported existing businesses to grow.
“Council also actively builds partnerships with local employers, training providers and other government organisations to help facilitate local employment,” he said.
Mr Sharp said programs such as Hume Hospitality Path were a big part of the council’s approach.
“This program … has successfully helped provide training and employment opportunities,” he said.
“The Hume Hospitality Path program is a collaboration between the Hume Employment and Learning Committee, the Bendigo Kangan Institute and Delaware North.
“To date, 25 Hume young people have completed the program and 15 have secured ongoing employment with businesses across Melbourne Airport.”
