Employment services provider Workskil Australia has launched a new program to tackle the Hunter’s youth unemployment issues.
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The Get Moving program is designed to help young job seekers in regional areas to connect with growing labour markets and secure sustainable employment.
As of June 2017, youth unemployment is at 10.7 percent in the Hunter region (excluding Newcastle).
Get Moving provides 18-to-24-year-olds with a mentor for one-year, who will help with finding full-time employment and assistance with training and apprenticeships and funding relocation and transportation costs.
The mentor will also help source appropriate accommodation for the jobseeker, where possible, with friends or family members; connect them with social support, including community groups and sporting clubs and provide ongoing support – before, during and after their move.
Workskil Australia chief executive officer Nicole Dwyer said Get Moving was created in response to rising youth unemployment rates.
She said the program will help to ensure that the future generations of job seekers don’t become disengaged with the workforce.
“It’s about connecting job seekers to where the jobs are, whether that’s in another nearby city, town or regional centre,” Ms Dwyer said.
“The job seekers learn new skills and experiences to become a valuable asset to potential employers, leaving them the option of staying in their new roles or returning to their home town.”
Ms Dwyer said most job seekers don’t want to be unemployed.
“The vast majority of young people we work with have an overwhelming desire to contribute to their community and work a fulfilling career,” she said.
“We urge employers to consider giving young job seekers an opportunity to change their lives and help make this program a success.”
Get Moving was officially launched at a community event at Workskil Australia’s Cessnock office on July 27.
More than 30 people attended, including representatives from Workskil Australia, Department of Employment, MAX Employment, Joblink, Employment Plus, Worka Australia and Aboriginal Resource Group, coaching and consultancy firm The Finer Line, and training provider Verto.
Get Moving is open to individuals receiving a Centrelink income support payment or who are currently unemployed and not in education or training.
For more information, call 1300 967 575 or visit workskil.com.au/youth/get-moving.