Gordon focus on skills and jobs

THE Gordon is set to drive employment rates with additional funding to get more people into work across the Barwon region.

Through the Local Jobs Program, The Gordon will be able to focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways in the wake of Australia’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

Funded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, the initiative will enable the delivery of local employment facilitators and support officer services, as well as the development of a local jobs plan and stakeholder engagement.

Chief executive officer of the Gordon, Joe Ormeno, said implementing the Local Jobs Program would build on the work already under way in the region.

“Working in collaboration with key stakeholders, the Local Jobs Program will support the Barwon region’s current and future labour requirements, as well as provide job seekers the skills and support required to get back into the workforce or transition to meet the demands of our region’s growing industry sectors,” he said.

Newly appointed employment facilitators, Carly Brennen and Tracey Jeffery will drive the rollout using their experience in raising education attainment levels and increasing workforce participation.

“The introduction of the Local Jobs Program in the Barwon region provides our communities with a tremendous opportunity to better connect job seekers of all descriptions with jobs that exist now and with those that are emerging in our local labour market,” Ms Brennan said.

Training and reskilling opportunities are expected to include tailored non-accredited training, professional development, job seeker mentoring, work experience as well as employment pathways and internship programs.

Locally the program will work alongside Skilling the Bay, which is developing a regional skills strategy to support socio-economic recovery.