City of Greater Bendigo to help vulnerable jobseekers gain skills, experience

It comes as part of a plan intended to address key community concerns, including barriers to employment.

More than 1400 residents contributed to the consultation process, which took place in January and February.

An issues and opportunities paper, released in July, prompted further feedback.

The All Ages All Abilities Action Plan says the city plans to develop a targeted approach to increase the number of work experience, traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities at the city for people with disability, young people, and people over the age of 50.

Other initiatives to help people seek and maintain work include advocating for accessible working environments and employment opportunities for people with disability.

DOCUMENT: All Ages All Abilities Action Plan

The local government is one of a number of organisations involved in crafting a strategy for the city's economic development.

Increasing Year 12 or equivalent attainment in Greater Bendigo has been identified as a priority.

Promoting the importance of language and literacy skills for children and increasing awareness of language and literacy programs in the community is among the All Ages All Abilities Action Plan's aims.

The plan also lists creating education, training and employment pathways for school-leavers and unskilled workers as a priority.

An invitation-only forum is scheduled to take place in Bendigo next week as the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership seeks to better understand how to support young people from education to employment.

It comes after community leaders provided evidence to the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Sustainable Employment of Disadvantaged Jobseekers last week in Bendigo.

The All Ages All Abilities Action Plan reflects priorities for residents in their early years, older years, and people with disability.

It includes actions to promote health and wellbeing, participation, liveability, safety and security, and connections to community.

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