Since October last year, more than 340 people in Greater Shepparton have registered for the state government’s Jobs Victoria Mentor Program.
One organisation that is linked to the $35 million investment program is Qualify Shepparton.
Qualify Shepparton is Australian-owned and -operated and renowned for its commitment to providing highly customised employment, training and support services.
Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion isn’t a choice its staff make, it’s something they feel passionate about.
Qualify general manager Vicky McMahon said it is what drove them.
“Our mission is to empower career dreams and champion inclusive recruitment to drive economic growth and community enrichment,” she said.
“We deliver practical, individualised employment, training and support services to people facing disadvantage, focusing on people that need our help most, including those that have been long-term unemployed and people with disability.
“It’s holistic, tailored pre-employment training and end-to-end employment services to jobseekers and employers across the Shepparton region.
“We partner with individuals, employers, industry and service partners to achieve exceptional learning and employment outcomes.”
Since October last year, Qualify has engaged 185 people into its services and placed 149 into long-term sustainable employment.
Providing both one-on-one and group-based workshops that give people the skills and confidence to enter the workforce, Qualify aims to empower everyone wanting to work, even the most vulnerable.
“Oscar, a 21-year-old with a diagnosis of autism and a mild intellectual disability, was referred through his NDIS support co-ordinator,” Mrs McMahon said.
“We worked with Oscar one-on-one, and he also joined in some of our weekly two-hour pre-employment small group workshops. Oscar has a love of animals and being outdoors and we supported him into gaining a job two days per week with a local employer on a farm.
“He helps feed and care for the animals and is about to do a chemical handler’s course to assist with spraying and weed management. He is also working towards getting his car licence.
“Our support is tailored to the individual, and you can engage with us as often as you need.”
Qualify has established relationships with over 100 employers in the Shepparton region.
It has a history of partnering with state and federal governments to deliver targeted place-based employment and training programs, achieving exceptional economic and participation results for its clients and the local community.
Minister for employment Vicki Ward said they’re investing in the Jobs Victoria program so they can help more Victorian’s to overcome barriers and find jobs that are meaningful to them.
“The high take up rate of this program reflects how important these services are and is evidence of the dedicated staff who are supporting these job seekers across the state,” she said.
For further information on the Jobs Victoria Mentor program, contact Qualify Shepparton on 1800 365 599.