Business Wodonga is working to address the region’s skill shortages and grow the local economy, with a major expo this week to showcase the opportunities offered by more than 60 local employers.
The Business Wodonga Jobs Expo, to be held at The Cube Wodonga on Thursday, September 1, will feature a range of large and small businesses across a broad spectrum of sectors.
With support from Wodonga Council, Wodonga TAFE, the North East Local Learning and Employment Network, Jobs Victoria, Ashlin Technology Solutions and La Trobe University, the expo aims to connect employers, trainers and recruiters with job seekers.
Wodonga Council will be among those exhibiting, with a focus on the wide range of jobs available in fields as diverse as arts and culture, education, nursing, building, engineering, roads, gardens and land management.
Wodonga Mayor Kev Poulton said the expo, the first of its type run by Business Wodonga, would provide a host of opportunities to employers and workers.
“Wodonga businesses are not immune to the challenges of the national skills shortage in the wake of Covid-19, with the health, transport and hospitality sectors among those in desperate need of good workers,” he said.
“But we have no shortage of great people in our community so by showcasing the employment opportunities available in our city we can go a long towards getting people into great careers.
“This not only helps to drive our economy forward, it will also assist in keeping more of our young people living and working in our region without the need to leave for capital cities to develop their careers.”
The CEO of Business Wodonga, Graham Jenkin, urged jobseekers to visit the expo to investigate their options for building rewarding careers while enjoying the great lifestyle benefits that only regional communities can offer.
“We’re showcasing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, from students to mature-age jobseekers and school leavers,” he said.
“We also have a presentation for employers from the Department of Home Affairs on sponsoring overseas workers into vacant skilled roles at 4pm on the day.
“Wodonga offers a bright future to workers in all sorts of industries, such as agriculture, healthcare, construction and government services, so we’re looking forward to connecting employers and employees in ways that can make a real difference to our economy and community in the years to come.”
The expo starts at 2pm on Thursday and continues until 8pm. Entry is free.
