The State’s network of Jobs and Skills Centres has been expanded, with a new centre in the Pilbara region offering specialist training and career advice to job seekers and young people.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery officially opened the new South Hedland Jobs and Skills Centre at North Regional TAFE’s Pundulmurra campus.
JSCs provide free professional and practical advice on training and employment opportunities, including career guidance, apprenticeship, and training information, help with job searching and direct links into work.
The new centre is supported by Aboriginal organisation Bloodwood Tree, to assist Aboriginal people across the Pilbara region with accessing training or jobs.
Its team is equipped to provide culturally sensitive employment and career services, information on training options, access to job opportunities through the Aboriginal jobs board, help with resumes and job applications, and mentoring and support with referrals to other services.
The South Hedland JSC can provide outreach services to other locations across the Pilbara region, including Newman, Marble Bar, Yandeyarra, Warralong, and Strelley.
Working closely with local industries to identify job opportunities, it will also assist employers and businesses to create a more culturally aware workplace that can attract and retain Aboriginal employees.
Recruitment support, workforce development and workshop assistance will also be available to organisations through the centre, which is one of 17 Jobs and Skills Centres now located at TAFE colleges across WA.
“The Pilbara region is known as the economic powerhouse of Australia, so it makes sense to have a Jobs and Skills Centre in Hedland to help connect local people with local jobs,” Ms Ellery said.
“This new centre provides South Hedland and surrounding areas with a one-stop shop for job seekers and employers to access career support, advice, training and employment services.”