Funding for Job Link in Balga

27/9/96

Moral support, motivation and practical help for job seekers in the Balga region will continue, following the funding of the local Job Link.

Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore today presented Balga Job Link with nearly $130,000 in funding for the next 12 months.

"In the past year 689 jobseekers have been helped by Balga Job Link, which offers a free and personalised service to people in the area," Mr Moore said.

"Funded as part of the Government's State Employment Assistance Strategy, Job Link helps prepare resumes, job application letters, organise work experience, provide career counselling and a variety of other services."

Mr Moore said Balga Job Link provided information and assistance to people of all ages wishing to enter or re-enter the workforce, and organised short-training courses.

"Balga Job Link has also developed an effective program to deal with disadvantaged job seekers in the region, such as youth at risk, migrants and Aboriginal people," the Minister said.

"Over the last six months Balga Job Link has held community consultation days in an effort to improve and further develop the Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Employment Placement Program.

"As a result, recruitment for an Aboriginal Youth Employment officer is underway so Job Link can expand school-to-work transition programs for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

"State programs, such as Job Link are providing valuable support to job seekers and employers in Western Australia.

"Over the past 12 months Job Link programs have found more than 6,000 jobs for Western Australians and assisted some 4,000 employers."

A further 2,000 people had been directed into education and training.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444