Related: Finding work a tough ask in Bendigo
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A CAREERS advice teacher at Bendigo Senior Secondary College says while the “casualisation” of the workforce is out of young people’s hands, there are still ways for them to find work in Bendigo.
The school’s managed individual pathways co-ordinator Lorelle Pearse believes taking on voluntary work in the community, showing initiative with employers and playing to your strengths are all ways of increasing the chances of young people finding work in Bendigo.
A recent analysis by the Bendigo Advertiser found many advertised casual jobs in Bendigo were attracting at least 400 applications, including jobs for cleaners, administration staff and roles in hospitality.
Ms Pearse said while casual positions were sometimes the only option for young job seekers, those with “drive and the ability to take on advice” will succeed.
“Casualisation of our workforce is something that is difficult and really out of many young people’s hands. Many full-time jobs are just not there,” she said.
“Broaden your perspective and think outside of the square.
“If you can’t secure employment as a builder, try being a glazier or a cabinet maker or a plasterer. If you are 18 and can’t compete against 15/16 year-olds, try for work in places where you need to be 18.”
Ms Pearse suggested young people should treat job seeking as a job in itself, make sure they had a clean social media history, have a strong resume and continue to network.
“Tell everyone that you are looking for work and remember every contact you make with any person might be your next informal job interview,” she said.
“Ask people how they got positions at particular places. Over 80 per cent of jobs are not formally advertised.”
Some job seekers placed the spotlight on employment agencies, which they believed had a disproportionate focus on earning commissions regardless of the employment outcomes.
The situation could be impacting mature job seekers.
Neil Gemmill, who lost his job in horticulture in Bendigo in 2013, said older people were often ignored in their hunt for work.
“Because it isn’t as likely that they’ll get a job, employment agencies aren’t as interested in you,” he said.
“We’ve paid a lot of taxes all of our lives, and at the end of the day you don’t get much support to find work again if you’re made redundant.
“There are a lot of silent people in Bendigo on this issue.”