Jobs boost for Pilbara

9/9/00
Job seekers in the Pilbara region will benefit from funding of almost $294,000 as part of the State Government's injection of more than $4 million into employment assistance projects across Western Australia.
Employment and Training Minister Mike Board announced this week that funds were being renewed for 48 community-based projects in the 2000-2001 financial year as part of the Government's commitment to assisting unemployed people.
"The Pilbara region will receive $293,035 for four State Employment Assistance Strategy (SEAS) projects. SEAS projects help more than 30,000 unemployed people each year to improve their skills," Mr Board said.
Mr Board said allocations made to the Pilbara would include $92,185 to Job Link Enterprises in Karratha, $79,310 to Newman Job Mate and $61,800 to the Bloodwood Tree Association.
In addition, $59,740 would be allocated to the Onslow Employment Project.
"The Job Link program is a community-based employment service which assists local job-seekers, business and industry, and makes a significant contribution to economic growth and job creation in WA," he said.
"Job Link projects place particular emphasis on job-seekers with special needs.
"These include people with disabilities, the long-term unemployed, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, ex-offenders, mature-aged people, school leavers (including youth at risk), Aboriginal people and those seeking to return to the workforce.
"One of the key strategies of SEAS projects is to encourage and promote work experience initiatives in collaboration with local business and industry.
"Experience shows that through the SEAS program, more than 6000 people are placed in sustainable employment each year, with others progressing to training and further education."
Media contact: Tamatha Smith, 9222 9211