Tasmanians living in Hobart’s northern suburbs will soon have better access and support to find job opportunities in the area’s many developments and flourishing industries, following today’s launch of the Glenorchy Jobs Hub.
Recent data show the strength in Tasmania’s economic recovery from the effects of COVID-19, with ABS Labour Force data showing that employment in Tasmania is now back to pre-pandemic levels, and we have the lowest unemployment rate of any State.
This demonstrates that our plan to rebuild a stronger Tasmania is doing exactly what we need it to – underpinning confidence and providing a strong foundation for continued economic growth.
The Glenorchy Jobs Hub will help ensure locals directly benefit from the opportunities that are here, and the effects of our strong economy.
Led by the Glenorchy City Council with $1.3 million funding over two years from the Tasmanian Government, the Glenorchy Jobs Hub will provide a vital link between employers and job seekers.
Today’s launch celebrates the foundational work that has been done by the Council, including employment of a Workforce Development Facilitator, formation of a local Steering Committee and Expert Reference Group, finalisation of an up to date Regional Workforce Development Plan, and a brand created for the Jobs Hub.
This work paves the way for the next stage which is establishment of the actual Hub later this year, including securing a specialist provider, via a tender going out in coming weeks, establishing the physical location and creating an online jobs portal.
The community-designed program will work with businesses and industries to understand their current and future skills needs, and ensure that people in this community have the right education, training and opportunity to meet those needs.
They will also identify and address the social, health and wellbeing barriers to employment.
This model has had proven success. The South East Employment Hub, delivered by Colony 47 working with South East Regional Development Association and the Trade Training Centre, has placed more than 250 people in employment since it began operating in July 2019, with a quarter of those in full-time positions.
I’d like to thank, in particular, the members of the Steering Committee and Expert Reference Group.
I’d also like to commend the Glenorchy City Council and I’m confident that the Jobs Hub will demonstrate the value in local and State Governments working together with industry to provide benefits directly to local communities.