Groups combine to target 100 jobs in 100 days

South West TAFE, Westvic Staffing Solutions and Brophy Family & Youth Services have teamed up for the campaign, which starts Monday.

The organisations have received $1.5 million in State Government funding over the next two years for the Work Ready Training program, which includes the 100-jobs-in-100-days drive.

While aimed at addressing skills shortages and high youth unemployment across the south-west, the pilot program could be rolled out statewide if successful.

It will see South West TAFE provide skills development, Westvic Staffing Solutions manage employment connections for potential job seekers, and Brophy break down barriers to employment for young people.

South West TAFE chief executive Mark Fidge said the project aimed to tackle the discrepancy between the region’s 17.3 per cent youth unemployment rate and the labour and skills shortage in some industry sectors.

“Many of our unemployed youth lack the basic skills or experience to enter the workforce, and local businesses report they see too many ‘unemployable’ candidates,” Mr Fidge said.

“This is about doing something now for the unemployed to give them life-long employability skills.”

The three organisations are calling on local employers to give an unemployed person a go, with some funding available as an incentive.

Westvic Staffing Solutions chief executive Dean Luciani said finding 100 jobs in 100 days would be a challenge.

“We will work with employers, job seekers and through our networks with other providers to get some real community energy behind providing opportunities for our region’s young people,” Mr Luciani said.

“The difference in this program is that new staff will have core behavioural and technical skills established prior to starting work, which is a major issue for many employers. 

“It’s a challenge but we don’t do things because they’re easy. 

“We can’t achieve it in isolation so we’re looking for involvement from schools, industry and business.”