The Victorian Government has launched a new initiative to help young and multicultural Victorians overcome barriers in the job market.
The government has set up a team of 27 new dedicated staff to link up culturally diverse job seekers with employers.
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence announced $3.9 million for this scheme.
According to Minister Spence, Eleven organisations will be supporting Victorians to provide culturally appropriate and individualised support to jobseekers.
This will be done through a network of Community Employment Connectors.
These Community Employment Connectors will start their work supporting jobseekers from July and will help them navigate and connect with employment and training services.
Minister 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. We’re supporting more Victorians into the dignity of a job, while also boosting the pandemic recovery for our whole state.”
This program has a specific focus on young people aged 16-25.
In addition, adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who face barriers to securing sustainable employment can also benefit from this initiative.
The Minister adds:
“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.”
The program will provide local solutions to the needs of jobseekers and support the economic recovery for all Victorians going through the pandemic.
Key organisations include MiCare working in partnership with the Wyndham Community and Education Centre; the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District; and WEstjustice.
This program will also work in collaboration with the Jobs Victoria Advocates Program to address barriers for jobseekers in local areas.
