- Services for Aboriginal people enhanced across WA's 19 Jobs and Skills Centres
- Employing more Aboriginal people in front-line service delivery
- Ensuring culturally appropriate and specialised support for Aboriginal clients
- New JSC opens at South Metropolitan TAFE's Fremantle campus
Building on its strong commitment to involve more Aboriginal people in frontline service delivery, the McGowan Government has enhanced Aboriginal services at Jobs and Skills Centres (JSCs) across the State and today opened a new JSC at South Metropolitan TAFE's Fremantle campus.
Strengthening JSC services for Aboriginal clients is part of the McGowan Government's commitments through its Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.
The new JSC at the campus on Fleet Street in Fremantle means there are now 19 JSCs located across Western Australia.
JSCs are a centrepiece of the McGowan Government's priorities to increase training and employment of under-represented groups and to build a sustainable local workforce.
Available to all members of the community, JSCs provide a one-stop-shop for local job seekers wanting free support to connect with training and job opportunities and employers.
JSC services include specialist services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which have been enhanced through an $8.14 million investment.
Approximately 30 Aboriginal employment and engagement officers are employed across the JSC network who work closely with employers and other key service providers in their area to integrate services and maximise training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal clients and to ensure culturally appropriate employment and career services are provided.
Employers and businesses are encouraged to get in touch with their nearest JSC for support to increase their engagement with the Aboriginal community and to create a more culturally aware workplace that can attract and retain more Aboriginal employees.
Other enhancements include the inclusion of more Aboriginal artwork to ensure the JSCs provide a culturally supportive, vibrant and welcoming space for Aboriginal staff and clients, where community members and employers can meet, and find local information and resources.
Providing greater opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in the workforce and benefit from WA's strong economic growth emerged as a strong theme at the Perth and Regional Skills Summits.
Establishing additional Aboriginal Services, including at Perth metropolitan JSCs at Fremantle and Perth TAFE campuses, will enhance opportunities for Aboriginal people to engage in sustainable employment and help meet the State's skills shortages and growing workforce demand.
Contact your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64 or visit the Jobs and Skills WA website for more information www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/jobs-and-skills-centre.
Comments attributed to Training Minister Simone McGurk:
"Current demands in the job market provide an opportunity to increase the participation of people who otherwise have found it difficult to enter the training or job market.
"Enhancing services at Jobs and Skills Centres will help to provide a better experience for jobseekers looking for sustainable employment and for their prospective employers.
"The Fremantle Jobs and Skills Centre is located in the heart of Fremantle - which is home to a diverse and creative community and has a unique range of industries like retail, hospitality and tourism.
"There's never been a better time to get into training, and if you're looking to enter training or work, or want to give your business the cutting edge by upskilling, get in touch with your local Jobs and Skills Centre for free and friendly support."
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
"The McGowan Government is committed to Australia's reconciliation movement and to ensuring Aboriginal people benefit from Western Australia's strong economic growth.
"Ensuring Aboriginal people are involved in frontline service delivery and in providing culturally appropriate and specialised services for prospective students and employers are key for maximising training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.
"Through a coordinated approach, strengthened engagement and the potential to provide outreach services, Jobs and Skills Centres are a centrepiece of the McGowan Government's priorities to increase Aboriginal training and employment."
Minister's office - 6552 6600
