A City project
is creating more chances for residents to gain the confidence and skills they
need to re-enter the workforce.
Opportunity East is
an Education to Employment project, funded by Skilling the Bay and led by the
City of Greater Geelong, that is part of the Whittington Works Alliance.
It supports
people through reskilling, retraining and rebuilding their confidence so they
are best placed to access future opportunities.
Through
supportive, safe and subsidised programs, Opportunity East helps residents’
transition into further study or to find employment in their chosen field, with
the support of regional employers.
Participants
learn industry-relevant skills in areas that are experiencing labour shortages,
benefiting both local jobseekers and employers.
The City has
focused on providing access and inclusion for a wider range of residents, from
those in Geelong’s eastern suburbs through to the less serviced areas of the
northern Bellarine Peninsula.
This is
reflected in the 11 participants of the Certificate II in Production
Horticulture course, who reside from Whittington through to Indented Head.
Programs are
also now being offered in more City facilities outside of the inner-east.
The Production
Horticulture course incorporates training at Encompass’ working farm, The
Paddock in Leopold, with another day at the Leopold Community Hub.
The course is
supported by local company Belmont Timber
and Faggs Mitre 10, which is
offering store visits, speakers and advice to participants about how to find
employment.
Our Certificate
III Cleaning, delivered by Brotherhood of Laurence, began in July at Newcomb
Hall.
It is backed by
additional job support and placement from local Geelong employer Etheridge
Cleaning and Maintenance Services.
Opportunity
East will in coming months introduce the ‘Road Ready’ traffic management
program with GO Traffic.
An Introduction
to Community Services course, with Cloverdale Community Centre, Gordon TAFE andSpringdale Neighbourhood Centre, will also soon be offered.
Residents also
have access to the Jobs Victoria Employment Network, which provides personal
mentoring to jobseekers who face barriers to re-entering the workforce.
This service is
delivered by Bethany Community Support at Bellarine Living and Learning Centre
at Whittington.
