ANOTHER BOOST FOR MID-NORTH COAST EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY

THE Mid-North Coast’s education and employment strategies, which have delivered the region’s lowest-ever unemployment rates, have received a further boost with a Brisbane-based work placement program establishing it first regional office in Port Macquarie.
The Brolga Project matches university students needing work experience with local businesses, government agencies and non-profit organisations experiencing a skills shortage.
“The Mid North Coast Work Placement Program will be an exciting addition to our education and employment strategies, which have produced results well beyond our expectations,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“As we’ve seen in recent weeks, the Mid-North Coast is now recording it’s lowest-ever unemployment rates – in some communities the rate is now lower than the national and state averages.
“Five years ago, no one would have thought it possible, particularly when the figures were almost double the national rate.
“Friday’s launch of this latest jobs and skills-building program is an exciting opportunity to welcome The Brolga Project to our community, and to congratulate Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for taking on the role of lead agency,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“It will also be an opportunity to meet and hear from some students who have been through placement,” Mr Oakeshott said.
The initiative puts university students needing work experience in touch with understaffed rural and regional businesses, and helps to address the skills shortage being experienced in regional communities.
Mr Oakeshott is encouraging business owners, non-profit groups and government agency representatives to attend the launch at 12 noon tomorrow in the executive training room at Port Macquarie Panthers.