Job listings on rise

Health opportunities lead the way

GEELONG job listings have bounced back after a significant low was recorded in August this year.

Data from the Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network, collated from the Geelong Careers website, shows new job listings in the G21 region hit 1066 in September.

That’s up from 911 in August, but down from previous months – including 1095 in July, 1289 in June, and 1276 in May.

March was the most fruitful month for job ads this year on Geelong Careers with 1318 listviding ed across the Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac Otway, Golden Plains and Queenscliffe council areas.

Geelong Careers chief executive officer Wayne Elliott said it was great to see jobs bounce back this month after a dip in August.

“The total jobs for the region remains relatively stable from last year compared to this year,” Mr Elliott said.

“We did have that dip in August, but have been able to bounce back again in September.”

Health jobs dominated in September making up 27 per cent of all jobs listed on Geelong Careers followed by 13 per cent in trades and construction.

“Careers in the health sector are still the highest in the region,” Mr Elliott said.

“We have seen a lot of Covid-related jobs, a lot of which I assume are associated with the rollout of the vaccination program.”

A total of 280 job listings for careers in caring were uploaded last month, and has been hovering around the 200 to 300 mark throughout the pandemic.

Small businesses gearing to re-open when restrictions continue to ease will be eligible for a wage subsidy from the state government, helping more Victorians secure permanent work.

More than 800 businesses across Victoria have successfully applied for a wage subsidy of up to $20,000 for some 1300 new workers.

The $250m Jobs Victoria Fund subsidy program is proopportunities for priority jobseekers including people over 45 – especially women, who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic – young people, migrants from a non-English speaking background and people with a disability.

“These subsidies are creating opportunities for workers who have been hit hard by the pandemic – and a boost for businesses that have done it just as tough,” Employment Minister Jaala Pulford said.

More information on the $20,000 wage subsidy is available at jobs.vic.gov.au or by calling the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.