More young jobseekers in Melbourne’s north-western suburbs are finding meaningful employment thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship Jobs Victoria program.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan and Member for Essendon Danny Pearson joined workers and staff from Wingate Avenue Community Centre at the Hyatt Place in Essendon Fields today – one of many businesses taking on young workers through the program.
Wingate received $400,000 last year to help 50 jobseekers who face barriers to finding work.
The centre has partnered with the Kensington Neighbourhood House and the Moonee Valley and Maribyrnong Local Learning and Employment Networks to help young jobseekers transition into employment.
So far, more than 75 participants have been registered, and 20 jobseekers placed into employment. Hyatt Place has taken on one young person and plans to hire additional Wingate clients.
Essendon Fields has quickly become a business hub with about 5,000 people working for 170 different companies.
Wingate Avenue Community Centre is a proud partner of the Labor Government’s $63 million Jobs Victoria.
Jobs Victoria will help more than 4,000 Victorians into work – from Aboriginal Victorians, refugees and youth justice clients to retrenched automotive workers and the long-term unemployed.
About 1,150 people have been placed into jobs – more than 30 a week – since the program began more than eight months ago.
More than 280 people have been placed into work across the Melbourne Western Metropolitan area – 46 of whom have maintained employment for at least 26 weeks.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“Many young jobseekers are keen to find work but struggle to get a foot in the door. Our Jobs Victoria initiative is turning this around.”
“Wingate Avenue Community Centre is one of many providers doing remarkable work to support employment opportunities across Melbourne’s north-west.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
“Every young person deserves an opportunity to shine in the workplace, and to feel counted.”
“It’s great to see Wingate Avenue Community Centre connecting jobseekers with local employers like Hyatt Place to kick-start young careers.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020