More people have started new careers in Victoria's booming manufacturing sector, thanks to an Allan Labor Government initiative that is delivering jobs to meet demand in this growth area.
Minister for Employment Vicki Ward today visited metal fabrication company NuForm Steel to announce the Chisholm Engineering Priority Workforce Project has now recruited 111 people to join the manufacturing and engineering sector - exceeding its target of 100 workers.
The Labor Government launched the project with Chisholm Institute in 2022 to help people finding it difficult to get work while also tackling workforce shortages in engineering and manufacturing. The project gives people on-the-job training, with a focus on employing women.
Naomi's career dream was to be a pilot. After a career setback she wasn't sure what to do next. Naomi signed up for the Chisholm Engineering Priority Workforce Project and has found a new career pathway as a fabrication apprentice at NuForm, while also studying for her Diploma of Building and Construction.
Owner of NuForm Steel Greg Cole is extremely proud to be part of the program and how it has helped locals to join his company and the industry. Greg is a strong advocate for starting a career in a trade and is passionate about attracting people who might not have traditionally considered engineering as a job for them.
Chisholm Engineering is one of Jobs Victoria's Priority Workforce Projects (PWP) - delivering meaningful results for jobseekers by partnering with employers in sectors that are experiencing workforce shortages.
Through PWP initiatives, the Labor Government has delivered more than 7,400 jobs across 37 projects, supporting a wide range of industries including early childhood education, disability care, aged care, manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, construction, energy and natural resources.
As stated by Minister for Employment Vicki Ward
"Exceeding our original target shows just how well this project has worked - there are great opportunities and support for people, including women, to get new skills and join growing industries like manufacturing."
As stated by Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor
"Incorporating training and skill building into the work supports employees and employers here in Knox to get the best people for these jobs."
As stated by Chisholm Institute Chief Commercial Officer Damien Van Eyk
"Chisholm is especially proud of this successful collaboration with industry. It's resulted in many jobs for people facing barriers to employment, ensuring a thriving, diverse and inclusive workforce for the manufacturing industry in south east Melbourne."
