Jobs for Parents Month' an opportunity for local employers
13 August 2007
Throughout August, employers in north-west Melbourne are being encouraged to recruit more parents returning to the workforce.
August is 'Jobs for Parents Month' and Kangan Batman TAFE is hosting a free luncheon on 23 August 2007 to help link local employers with the many parents who are returning to work.
The luncheon will be held at Kangan Batman TAFE's student-run Richards Restaurant, Pearcedale Parade, from 11.30am-2pm.
Parents entering the workforce, the mature aged, people with a disability and the long term unemployed are benefiting from the Australian Government's $3.7 billion investment in our future workforce through the 'Welfare to Work' incentives.
The Welfare to Work reforms were introduced in 2005-06 and are designed to help people find or retain work, or rejoin the workforce after a period away from it; and to help employers overcome labour shortages by attracting and retaining new staff.
'Employers don't need reminding how hard it is to find staff right now,' Minister for Workforce Participation, Dr Sharman Stone, said.
'The combination of our strong economy, record low unemployment and ageing population makes it harder for employers to find staff. To survive in this climate, employers need to be more flexible when it comes to their recruitment practices.
'In many cases, employing parents who are returning to work after raising their kids to school age is the perfect solution. They have life skills and maturity. They just need employers to think outside the square when looking for staff.'
Kangman Batman TAFE said local employers in the north-west are feeling the pinch of the tight labour market too.
'Our "Jobs for Parents Luncheon" is a great opportunity for employers to see first-hand some of the solutions our service can provide - including access to the many parent job seekers we have who are keen to work,' said Jenny Fitzgerald, Employment Centre Coordinator, Kangman Batman TAFE.
'We are a local service and we're sensitive to the needs of our local employers. We can work closely with employers to tailor solutions to their staffing needs and to keep them aware of all the options and support available to them.'
For more information and media enquiries, please phone Jenny Fitzgerald on (03) 9279 2602 or email jfitzgerald@kangan.edu.au
