Local Taskforce To Aid Jobs Recovery On The Sunshine Coast

The Australian Government is investing $62.8 million in a Local Jobs Program to support the recovery from COVID-19 in regions including the Sunshine Coast and to help Australians get back into work.

As part of the program, the Employment Facilitator for the Sunshine Coast will receive boosted resources to connect job seekers to local employment opportunities. Employment Facilitators are an on-the-ground presence that work with local job seekers in specific regions to connect them with training, job opportunities or other support.

As part of their boosted resources, The Employment Facilitator will chair a Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce. The taskforce will bring together local employers, employment and training providers and other local stakeholders, to develop projects to get job seekers back into work. A Local Recovery Fund will also be available in each selected region to support this approach.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said tailoring solutions specific to each local area was vital to helping regions recover. 

“Small and family businesses rely on their local communities and we want to tap into their expertise and connections to get people working again” Minister Cash said.

“As the economy recovers from COVID-19, the jobs that are created may look different to those that existed before.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that the program will be locally led to provide tailored support to help residents on the Sunshine Coast to find work within the region. 

“No-one knows better how to create and fill jobs on the Sunshine Coast than Sunshine Coast locals. Local knowledge and collaboration on the Coast will be vital to achieving our recovery.” Mr Wallace said.

“Using information provided by the National Skills Commission, our ‘Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce’ will develop a local jobs plan, identifying our region’s priorities, opportunities and skills gaps.” he said.

The Employment Facilitator will continue to work with employers, employment services providers and training providers to match jobseekers on the Sunshine Coast with appropriate employment and training opportunities.

“It is my mission to help make the Sunshine Coast the place to be for education, employment and retirement. I want to see us creating more local jobs, in a wider and more diverse range of industries to ensure that locals can stay right here on the Coast to fulfil their career ambitions. I look forward to working with the new local Taskforce to support their important role in the months to come.” Mr Wallace said.

The Local Jobs Program will run until 30 June 2022. 

For more details visit: www.dese.gov.au/local-jobs-program

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