Shepparton to receive Work and Learning Centre
Shepparton is the latest community to benefit from a Victorian Coalition Government initiative to boost jobs and training among public housing tenants.
The new Shepparton Work and Learning Centre, announced today by Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell, will provide education and training opportunities for local residents.
“This area was selected by the Employment and Youth Support Initiatives Development Inter Agency Steering Committee, chaired by the Hon Rob Knowles, because of its high levels of unemployment, lower levels of educational attainment and high levels of welfare dependency,” Ms Lovell said.
“This initiative aims to help people overcome barriers to finding stable employment and help them achieve employment and training aspirations. It will focus on helping people become ‘job ready’ by supporting them as they undertake education and training.”
The centre will build on the model successfully developed and implemented by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and will involve services delivered by the Salvation Army - Pathways. It joins other centres in Carlton, Geelong, Ballarat and Moe.
“Having limited access to education and training opportunities can lead to social and economic exclusion and we believe these centres will help address disadvantage and support Victorians who are struggling,” Ms Lovell said.
“Getting people job-ready isn’t just a question of providing access to training and further education – it also involves offering support and boosting self-confidence.”
Pathways Regional Director Craig Kelly said the organisation was pleased to have the opportunity to deliver the Work and Learning Centre in Shepparton.
“Education and employment outcomes are major prevention pillars in terms of health and wellbeing, and this initiative will make a significant difference in the lives of many in the local community,” Mr Kelly said.
Ms Lovell said the Work and Learning Centre would operate at a number of outreach locations in the Shepparton area to ensure as many people as possible had access to the services.
