The state government has committed to providing $1.7 million to help more than 190 disadvantaged central Victorians find permanent, meaningful work, as part of its Jobs Victoria Employment Network.
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Local job service providers Access Australia Group, CVGT Australia – Bendigo and Edge Workforce are among the recipients of the funding.
Employment and Industry Minister Wade Noonan said federal employment programs were largely effective for people who were relatively job-ready, but not as effective for people with complex barriers to employment who required more intensive support.
He said the three providers would launch targeted services and work closely with employers to find work for disadvantaged people, who often faced multiple barriers to employment and who had fallen through the cracks of the federal system.
“Every Victorian – regardless of their background – has a right to the dignity of a job and no one in our community should be left behind,” he said.
“We recognise that some people in our community face multiple barriers to work, which is why we are helping disadvantaged Victorians find work and keep it.”
Mr Noonan said the new program would focus on developing partnerships across employment, education and community sectors, supporting local businesses to employ job seekers who are experiencing entrenched disadvantage.
He said the selected services had close working relationships with those employers that would support real job outcomes for jobseekers.
Bendigo’s two state Labor MPs, Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards, welcomed the announcement.
“Our Jobs Victoria Employment Network is a helping hand for those who find it hardest to get their foot in the door,” Ms Allan said.
“These three providers will work hand-in-hand with local employers to support real job outcomes for disadvantaged people in Bendigo,” Ms Edwards said.
For more information on the program and on how to access JVEN services visit jobs.vic.gov.au