A City project is creating more chances for residents to gain the confidence and skills they need to re-enter the workforce.
Opportunity East is an Education to Employment project, funded by Skilling the Bay and led by the City of Greater Geelong, that is part of the Whittington Works Alliance.
It supports people through reskilling, retraining and rebuilding their confidence so they are best placed to access future opportunities.
Through supportive, safe and subsidised programs, Opportunity East helps residents' transition into further study or to find employment in their chosen field, with the support of regional employers.
Participants learn industry-relevant skills in areas that are experiencing labour shortages, benefiting both local jobseekers and employers.
The City has focused on providing access and inclusion for a wider range of residents, from those in Geelong's eastern suburbs through to the less serviced areas of the northern Bellarine Peninsula.
This is reflected in the 11 participants of the Certificate II in Production Horticulture course, who reside from Whittington through to Indented Head.
Programs are also now being offered in more City facilities outside of the inner-east.
The Production Horticulture course incorporates training at Encompass' working farm, The Paddock in Leopold, with another day at the Leopold Community Hub.
The course is supported by local company Belmont Timber and Faggs Mitre 10, which is offering store visits, speakers and advice to participants about how to find employment.
Our Certificate III Cleaning, delivered by Brotherhood of Laurence, began in July at Newcomb Hall.
It is backed by additional job support and placement from local Geelong employer Etheridge Cleaning and Maintenance Services.
Opportunity East will in coming months introduce the 'Road Ready' traffic management program with GO Traffic.
An Introduction to Community Services course, with Cloverdale Community Centre, Gordon TAFE andSpringdale Neighbourhood Centre, will also soon be offered.
Residents also have access to the Jobs Victoria Employment Network, which provides personal mentoring to jobseekers who face barriers to re-entering the workforce.
This service is delivered by Bethany Community Support at Bellarine Living and Learning Centre at Whittington.
