Michaela Meade
COVID-19’s impacts on unemployment have hit young people and middle-aged women the hardest, according to the Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN).
The unemployment rate in Hume is the highest in Victoria, according to National Skills Commission data, increasing from 8.7 per cent as of March, 2020, to 13.4 per cent as of March, 2021.
Victoria’s overall unemployment rate is 4.8 per cent as of March, 2021.
LLEN executive officer for Hume Nicky Leitch said young people up to 25 years of age and middle-aged women- typically mothers- have been the “hardest hit”.
“You’ve got young people at uni, it’s a very casualised culture,” Ms Leitch said.
“They were hit hard during COVID… some of them were the first to be let go.
“Then, you have a middle aged mum competing against a person with expertise.
“If you’re a mum who wants to do part-time hours around school, is an employer going to take you on?”
Ms Leitch said a diversification of skills is the key to success for both cohorts, which is where LLEN tries to help.
“What COVID has shown us is that we really need to diversify our training,” she said.
“There are some good job opportunities coming to Hume.
“It’s our job to ensure our residents are ready and equipped for those jobs.”
According to Youth Projects, an organisation that works to support young people, some of the major barriers to young people finding work are lack of access to transport; mental health issues; lack of confidence and motivation; lack of a family support network or positive role models; and competition.
Youth Projects chief executive Ben Vasiliou said COVID-19 has increased demand for the organisation’s service.
“Last year we witnessed thousands of young people hit hard by the pandemic, socially isolated and often the first to have hours cut or laid off work completely,” Mr Vasiliou said.
“We’ve seen substance use on the rise and considerable wait times for young people to access mental health supports.
“The demand on our services spiked quicker than we’ve ever experienced at Youth Projects, so we’re scaling up to support those who need us most.”
Youth Projects has sites across Melbourne, including in Broadmeadows, Epping and Craigieburn, and provide tailored support for young people.
Details: www.hwllen.com.au and www.youthprojects.org.au
