A new initiative will lure graduates from Deakin University’s five campuses to work and live in the south-west in a bid to fill the region’s skills shortage.
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The “test before you invest” approach to the new program was welcomed by Warrnambool City Council mayor Robert Anderson.
A council investigation earlier this year found there were about 1000 vacant white and blue collar jobs across the region, including a desperate need for young professionals such as accountants, financial planners and health professionals.
The DeakinTALENT Regional Skills Program, to be launched on Monday at the Lighthouse Theatre, promises to bring new specialist skills to the region.
As part of the program, DeakinTALENT staff will work with employers to fill both short-term and long-term jobs.
Deakin University Warrnambool director Alistair McCosh said the initiative was a low-risk option for employers to trial a graduate in their workplace without having to make a long-term commitment.
Mr McCosh said the uni was keen to work with councils to address skills gaps. “Deakin has many graduates from our other campuses, in engineering for instance and other course areas not offered at our Warrnambool campus, who would consider moving to the region if offered a placement,” he said.
Mr McCosh said employment outcomes for Warrnambool uni students were extremely high across all courses, with a majority finding work after graduation.
