The Victorian Government has appointed 27 new dedicated staff to help link up young and multicultural job seekers with employers.
About $3.9 million will be used by the Victorian Government to address the increased needs of culturally diverse job seekers as the state recovers from the pandemic.
“Having a job is so important for wellbeing, and the pandemic has increased the barriers already faced by many young and diverse Victorians – so we’re helping them to make those connections,” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence said.
“The Community Employment Connectors will work directly with job seekers and employers to build the local networks we know are vital to finding sustainable employment.”
Eleven organisations will be supported by the Government to provide culturally appropriate and individualised support through a network of Community Employment Connectors. The Community Employment Connectors program will help job seekers navigate and connect with employment and training services.
The program specifically focuses on people aged 16-25 from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who face barriers to securing sustainable employment.
By working through organisations with existing links to the community, the program will help provide local solutions to the needs of job seekers while supporting economic recovery.
MiCare, working in partnership with the Wyndham Community and Education Centre, will connect new and established communities across Western Melbourne to training and work. The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District will also assist new arrivals and refugees impacted by the pandemic and the end of the fruit season.
WEstjustice is also expected to provide legal advice and education that will help job seekers understand their employment rights and responsibilities.
The Community Employment Connectors will begin in July, collaborating with the Jobs Victoria Advocates Program to address barriers in local areas.
“We’re supporting more Victorians into the dignity of a job, while also boosting the pandemic recovery for our whole state,” Minister Spence said.