- Published:
- Friday 29 May 2015
Two critical youth development and employment programs will be developed and expanded thanks to a $450,000 funding injection from the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Bendigo East and Minister for Employment, Jacinta Allan, and Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, today confirmed the Government has provided $300,000 to enable the City of Greater Bendigo Council to continue to deliver and develop their Career Horizons web portal, and extend it to the Central Goldfields and Mount Alexander Shires over the next three years.
This online resource has proven highly effective in linking Bendigo primary, secondary and tertiary students to work experience opportunities offered by local businesses and industry.
In its first year, the Career Horizons Work Experience Hub supported the placement of more than 350 students and has continued to expand its reach throughout the City of Greater Bendigo.
The recent Victorian Budget 2015-16 also provides $150,000 to continue the Passions and Pathways program, which promotes and showcases manufacturing careers to Bendigo students from low socio-economic areas.
Established in 2012, the program is a partnership between Lightning Reef and Eaglehawk primary schools, the Goldfields Local Learning & Employment Network, the City of Greater Bendigo, the Bendigo Manufacturing Group and a number of industries and business sectors.
Ms Allan made the announcements at the opening of Economic Development Australia’s Victorian State Conference in Bendigo today.
In her address, Ms Allan outlined the Labor Government’s strong agenda to build more infrastructure, invest in better schools and save our skills and TAFE sector, which will create jobs and drive growth.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Bendigo East and Minister for Employment, Jacinta Allan
“These programs are about giving young people in Bendigo a kick-start to their career."
“The Andrews Labor Government is getting Victoria back to work through investment in infrastructure, jobs and education and by supporting local youth employment initiatives like these.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards
“Career Horizons links students with local businesses and industry to help them get the experience they need for the job they want.”
“Passions and Pathways is about helping disadvantaged kids get into meaningful, fulfilling work in our local manufacturing industry.”