Harper Sercombe
Lalor Library hosted a jobs event on Wednesday, July 12, in a push to increase employment within the area.
The event was focussed on key priority workforce projects. With over 500 jobseekers to be placed in these sectors.
North Link’s manufacturing priority workforce project had a target of 150 jobs in the northern suburbs by June 2034.
Other representative organisations on the day included Brotherhood of St Laurence (transport and logistics, horticulture), Whittlesea Community Connections (automotive), Thomastown Recreational Aquatic Centre (aquatic and recreation sector), who all have similar targets.
Whittlesea economic participation officer Simon Scrase said the idea is to understand the career interest and support needs of these jobseekers and help then place these candidates into suitable jobs.
“This includes job preparation, training and supporting both jobseekers and employers in the placement of these candidates,” he said.
Mr Scrase said the current cost of living crisis is impacting on the local community, and was a contributing factor in creating the event.
“A partnership has been formed with Whittlesea Community Connections to provide welfare support and services, this includes access to financial counselling services, referrals to support services and food banks,” he said.
“Residents will be assisted to complete the power saver bonus.
“Services Australia will also be represented through a local multicultural officer to provide information and assistance.”
A range of permanent jobs either part time or full time that range from entry level jobs to traineeships/apprenticeships to customer service and front of house, packer/processing, forklift operators, metal fabricators to trades were all on offer.
Every participant that attended was provided with an opportunity to apply for jobs in these sectors, which will include them being provided with work readiness training and workplace specific training.
Residents were also provided training and career advice, plus residents were able to talk to a self-employment assistance provider if they had a business start-up idea.
