THE second annual Ballarat Jobs and Skills Drive will be launched on Friday with the event playing a key role in trying to combat youth unemployment across the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The event includes a week of activities designed to help job seekers be better prepared for employment and is run by the Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network.
Highlands LLEN executive officer Jannine Bennett said the event attracted about 1000 people last year.
She also said the region had experienced a dip in employment levels among young people.
“We still have too many people in part-time employment,” she said.
“If we don’t fix that, I think we might have a much grimmer picture.”
The drive comes as youth unemployment hits high levels across the state and appears to be one the key state issues only months out from November’s election.
Ms Bennett said the event was also open to employers, parents and career advisors and educators.
“The focus is on young people but is open to people of all ages,” she said.
“We guarantee they will learn something new, suspect they will feel more confidence, gain some knowledge and we will make everyone feel welcome.”
In particular, Ms Bennett highlighted a presentation from clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller who will be a holding Guerrilla Tactics for Parents workshop, a guide to effective parenting with some cunning strategies.
Other classes include resume writing, training on how to search for a job and a panel of local trades people, human resources professionals and small businesses owners who will provide some insight into how the mind of employers work.
The event starts on Friday at 4pm at the Mechanics Institute with all events and classes available for free.
For more information, visit highlandsllen.org/
matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au
