Darling Downs and South West workforce project says YES to local jobs
- Regional Development Australia Darling Downs and South West is creating a strong local workforce with the launch of the Youth Employment Success (YES) website.
- Funding of more than $492,000 by the Queensland Government’s Workforce Connect Fund, will enable the YES project to provide an employment opportunity matching service, connecting young locals with work experiences that build career pathways and lead to jobs.
- The project is expected to assist 100 employers find future workers and 300 local young job seekers find employment.
Youth Employment Success
Officially launched in Toowoomba today, the YES website is already offering more than 100 opportunities for young people and businesses to connect across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland.
YES matches jobseekers to a variety of work experiences from business walkthroughs and coffee catch-ups to mentoring and mock interviews, so young locals can make informed and confident decisions about their employment pathways.
It also provides an avenue for employers across industries to offer free, employment-based activities to connect with local job seekers and create opportunities to grow their workforce.
As part of the Queensland Government’s Workforce Connect Fund, Regional Development Australia Darling Downs and South West Inc received $492,250 to deliver the YES project.
The $20 million Workforce Connect Fund is a key action under the Palaszczuk Government’s Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-32, which invests in industry and community-led projects to address workforce attraction and retention challenges.
“Local solutions are key to addressing local workforce challenges and the Queensland Government is supporting the work Regional Development Australia is doing to create a strong workforce for the Darling Downs and South West region.
“By 2025-26, Toowoomba is projected to have the sixth fastest jobs growth in Queensland which is great news for the local economy.
“Through our Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-32, the Palaszczuk Government is committed to good jobs for Queenslanders and creating a strong, skilled workforce to support regional growth and opportunities.
“The YES project is connecting young locals with industry and business leaders so they can make informed decisions about their careers and keep jobs local.
“I encourage local employers to get involved and jobseekers to take advantage of the connections and professional development opportunities on offer.”
Robyn Haig, Director, Regional Development Australia Darling Down South West:
“Making decisions about your career is difficult for many young people.
“Through the Youth Employment Success (YES) project, we work together with industries and communities to support young people into careers across the region.
“The website makes vital connections between young jobseekers and businesses, offering a range of work experiences to help get our future workforce job-ready, while employers have an opportunity to fill gaps in their workforce.
“I encourage all local jobseekers and employers to register on the website so they can connect and pursue their own career goals.”
Harness Energy Services jumps on board Youth Employment Success
Our fast-growing region combined with industry growth, means there are great opportunities for both jobseekers and businesses.
Chris Winter, National Sales Director, Harness Energy Services:
“We’re excited to be a part of the YES project so that we can support young people into a new and exciting career, and ensure we keep skilled workers in our region.”
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
Visit the website at https://youthemployer.au/
For more information on the Workforce Connect Fund visit: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/employment/workforce-connect-fund
