By Tate Papworth
More than 70 jobseekers were last week given the chance to meet with prospective employers at the region’s first ever Connecting Futures job fair.
The hopeful candidates met with more than a dozen employers at the Salvation Army’s Employment Plus office in Sunshine.
The concept was to connect jobseekers with local businesses in need of more hands.
Employers were also given the opportunity to showcase their places of work through brief presentations, before mingling with the candidates.
The Salvation Army Employment Plus program manager for youth services, Ree Paduano said it was a great opportunity for younger people to find work.
“Often these eager jobseekers don’t have extensive connections because they are first-generation Australians, or they may not have ideal role models to show them how to make their way into working life.
“We’ve spent … time with all the jobseekers imparting as much wisdom as possible, helping some achieve certificate qualifications and, importantly, instilling confidence.”
In the weeks leading up to the fair, jobseekers spent time with “job coaches” polishing their CVs, getting dressed for success and practicing interview techniques. A similar fair held in Tasmania earlier this year resulted in more than 50 per cent of jobseekers finding jobs.
