At the Melbourne Career Expo held in July, Greater Shepparton: Great Things Happen Here aimed to attract business professionals to the region to fill growing calls for staff in the area.
However, with housing in the Greater Shepparton area already at crisis point, the team turned its direction to further support the region’s own young people.
Greater Shepparton City Council partnerships and marketing co-ordinator Liz Connick said the recent Youth Employment Summit showed young people were facing barriers in obtaining work.
“Prior to COVID-19, it was not easy for a young person to obtain casual work, it was more competitive and most young people found work through the right connections,” she said.
“What happens to many young people who do not have a wide network or are not well connected through sport or peers? Then add a two-year pandemic on top.
“We were all victims of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, now we are all emerging with new challenges and the confidence of our young people is an issue.”
Council conducted a study that found local businesses were looking for workers with a good attitude, reliability and willingness to learn — “in that order”.
In an effort to get young people work-ready, council brought in Melbourne-based comedian Col Cameron to conduct a presentation to Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s Year 10 students on Wednesday, August 31.
He said the aim was to help students gain confidence, and find the significance of linkages between their first job and what their future careers may be.
“At the start we asked what their dream jobs were,” he said.
“And at the end, we came back around and said you know that dream job? What job are you doing now and is there a connection between the two?
“I'm trying to say they’re not wasting time in these jobs, making these connections.”
Businesses can post casual or part-time positions for young people at https://growgreatershepparton.com.au/youth/
Young people looking for work are encouraged to visit https://growgreatershepparton.com.au/job-seekers/join/