LOCAL RECOVERY FUND PROJECT DRIVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG SOUTH AUSTRALIAN JOB SEEKERS

Young job seekers in the Murray and South East region of South Australia will be given the chance to become more competitive in the local jobs market with help from a $66,000 project under the Australian Government’s Local Recovery Fund.

Employment Options Inc’s Greenlight2Work project will support up to 30 jobseekers aged 17 to 24 to participate in an eight-week program that will help them obtain their learner driver’s permit.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said Local Recovery Fund projects are an important part of the Australian Government’s ongoing economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘The Local Recovery Fund is driving projects just like this one in the eastern part of South Australia, which support Australian communities by helping people find work and meeting the needs of local employers,’ Minister Robert said.

‘South Australians have firmly felt the ongoing challenges brought upon by the pandemic, and it’s initiatives such as these that will get job seekers into meaningful employment, connect employers with the staff they need and help communities bounce back stronger.

‘The Local Recovery Fund is an important part of the Australian Government’s $276 million Local Jobs Program and our broader Economic Recovery Plan.’

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said this project will develop strong pathways to employment for young job seekers by ensuring they have the right foundations in place to find suitable work.

‘Factors such as transport and the ability to be independent are things many take for granted but for young job seekers in regional areas, these are often barriers to securing long-term employment,’ Mr Pasin said.

‘This project tackles these issues head on and will empower young job seekers to set themselves up for future success.’

Mr Pasin said participants will be supported to develop and implement their own personalised action plan tailored to each individual’s needs.

‘Importantly, a Career Development Practitioner will review each plan and individuals will be mentored as they put their plans into practice,’ Mr Pasin said.

‘By researching local job opportunities, interacting with employers and participating in industry tours and workplace shadowing, participants will be better placed than ever to secure meaningful work.’

‘As our borders reopen to the rest of Australia, many industries will be crying out for reliable staff and that’s why projects like this, and the Government’s wider Economic Recovery Plan are so vital.’ Mr Pasin said.

The Australian Government expanded and extended the Local Jobs Program in the 2021-22 Federal Budget to cover all 51 Employment Regions across Australia.

The Local Recovery Fund supports regions by funding tailored projects to help align job seekers with employment opportunities in their community.

More details about the Local Jobs Program can be found at www.dese.gov.au/local-jobs-program

ENDS.