- New Jobs and Skills Centre launched in Albany at South Regional TAFE
- Delivery of key McGowan Government election commitment with 13 Jobs and Skills Centres now open across regional and metropolitan Western Australia
- One-stop-shop to address unemployment and workforce needs in the region
The Albany Jobs and Skills Centre, officially launched today by Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery at South Regional TAFE, is a one-stop-shop for jobseekers, students and career changers - supporting the employment and workforce needs of the Great Southern region.
Jobs and Skills Centres, a key McGowan Government election commitment, offer free training information and career development services to the local community.
Western Australians can access practical information and advice on training, employment and apprenticeship opportunities from a skilled team of careers professionals with industry partnerships and direct links into work.
The centre will provide local businesses and employers with business and workforce development advice to create employment, apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.
The new Albany Jobs and Skills Centre is supported by Worklink and the Southern Aboriginal Corporation to ensure services are tailored to meet the needs of Western Australia's diverse community.
Aboriginal people are a key priority client group, and extensive local stakeholder consultation was undertaken to ensure Aboriginal people benefit from the new service delivery model.
Outreach services will be provided at other locations throughout the Great Southern region including Esperance, Denmark, Walpole and Katanning.
In its first few months of operation, some 65 individuals and organisations have already benefited from career guidance, résumé assistance and job application support, and workforce planning services offered by the centre.
While studying for a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping at South Regional TAFE, Wendy Dembowski from Denmark sought the Albany Jobs and Skills Centre's help with developing her résumé, cover letter and interview techniques for a senior position at the Shire of Denmark. Thanks to this support, Wendy secured the role and is progressing well in her new career.
Alexander McConnell from Porongurup was able to undertake a Certificate III in Business after receiving career advice and course information. Alex found the service was very helpful with a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.
Jobs and Skills Centres are complemented by a comprehensive website resource that includes a job notice board, qualification lists and a course search feature.
The Jobs and Skills WA website is available at http://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"This Government's priority is to support job creation and strengthen the Western Australian economy.
"The implementation of Jobs and Skills Centres across Western Australia has transformed WA TAFE colleges to better link the training sector with industry, to ensure industry has the skills it needs for the jobs of today and tomorrow."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Jobs and Skills Centres are focused on ensuring people have access to training and services that equips them with the skills they need to take up new opportunities for employment.
"The centre will ensure training programs are targeted to meet industry needs and allow people to access training that maximises their opportunities for employment and career development."
As stated by Albany MLA Peter Watson:
"Worklink and the Southern Aboriginal Corporation will support the Jobs and Skills Centre to provide individuals, employers and industry with specialist and locally tailored support.
"The new centre in Albany will ensure that high-quality services are available locally to residents of the Great Southern. The centre will work with local businesses to identify job opportunities in the local industry and diversify the local economy."
