Job seekers looking to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Gippsland's renewable energy sector will benefit from a new project under the Australian Government's Local Recovery Fund.
The Local Recovery Fund is an important part of the $276 million Local Jobs Program and the Australian Government's Economic Recovery Plan.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said Workforce Plus Inc will deliver the Energising Skills Project aimed at helping dozens of job seekers make the most of emerging job opportunities in their very own region.
'Strong community links continue to play a vital role in Australia's recovery from COVID-19, and the Local Jobs Program is supporting this by getting people into work and meeting the needs of local employers and industries,' Minister Robert said.
'Region-specific projects that address local needs highlight the value of Employment Facilitators, Local Jobs and Skills Taskforces, community organisations and businesses working together.
'An important part of this targeted project will be to help those job seekers with an eye on the future by giving them the skills they need to take advantage of opportunities in sectors of high growth.'
Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, the Hon Luke Howarth MP, who launched the Energising Skills Project locally, said 45 participants will take up a six-week pre-employment training program to upskill and reskill for job opportunities in the renewable energy and supply chain sectors.
'Access to pre-accredited training will empower job seekers with skills in demand in the renewable energy sector and facilitate at least 34 participants in job placements,' Assistant Minister Howarth said.
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, said upskilling local workers would keep local jobs and support the economy.
'Bringing local knowledge to employers, and matching job seekers to local job opportunities, is what this project is all about, a vital part of Gippsland's ongoing economic recovery from drought, bushfires, storms and the pandemic,' Mr Chester said.
The Local Recovery Fund supports regions by funding tailored projects to help connect job seekers with employment opportunities in their community.
In the 2021-22 Budget, the Local Jobs Program was extended to 30 June 2025 and, from 1 July 2021, will be expanded from 25 Employment Regions to cover all 51 Employment Regions across Australia.
More details about the Local Jobs Program can be found at www.dese.gov.au/local-jobs-program
