As part of last year’s council budget, I made a commitment to personally oversee a jobs taskforce for the City of Logan.
The creation of a strong well-trained local workforce to fill local jobs was the focus of The Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce launched in October last year.
We were hearing from businesses that the ability to fill vacant jobs with the appropriately skilled staff was difficult. In response the taskforce was set up with the aim to develop programs with employers, service providers and training organisations to ensure skills being taught align with available local jobs.
Rather than reinvent the wheel it was about creating something to complement and expand on the existing economic services provided by council.
The aim of the taskforce is to get local jobseekers involved in training programs that will give them skills that align with the needs of local businesses.
We also want to leverage the strong desire among local businesses to support our residents through education, training, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
At the end of April, six months on from its establishment, the taskforce has already exceeded the 12-month objectives of 50 placements. Since October last year 77 people have been placed into paid work across the city.
The taskforce also has a strong focus on enhancing employment opportunities for Logan youth. We are committed to assisting young people build pathways into meaningful careers.
This Friday I’m looking forward to being part of Schools Industry Engagement Bus Tour.
In collaboration with some local businesses, council is coordinating the opportunity for students to get a deeper understanding of the career pathways available to them.
It will enable them to see local businesses in action and hear directly from local entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Through the taskforce we are making significant inroads into supporting our local economy and I look forward to continuing to kick goals.
