WORKERS facing retrenchment in Far North Queensland will receive assistance to find new employment and train for jobs of the future under the Federal Government’s Stronger Transitions Package.
Minister for Employment and acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Michaelia Cash said the Stronger Transitions package will provide assistance for workers to find new jobs through the $10.3 million support package.
“The Federal Government is providing additional support because evidence from the automotive industry shows helping people before they are retrenched better prepares them to move onto their next job, including the jobs of the future,” Minister Cash said.
“Elements of the Stronger Transitions support package have been based on the highly successful automotive industry Growth Fund model where government and business worked together to connect workers with new opportunities.”
Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch said this assistance offered to workers is a welcome opportunity and will be well received in Leichhardt.
“The Government understands that anyone who loses their job through retrenchment is going to face a challenging period in their life,” Mr Entsch said.
“We are committed to building a positive future for all Australians and the Stronger Transitions package will help put retrenched workers on the pathway to finding new jobs and taking advantage of labour market opportunities.”
From 1 July 2018, retrenched workers in five identified regions will receive targeted support to help them move into their next job. In addition to Far North Queensland, support will be made available in Adelaide, Melbourne North/West, North/North-West Tasmania and Mandurah, Western Australia.
The Stronger Transitions package contains five measures to support workers to transition into new work, including:
• Skills and training support
o Partnerships with participating businesses to help their workers move into new employment. Targeted services may include career advice, training and recognition of prior learning, skills assessment, access to language, literacy and numeracy, digital literacy and online job search support.
• Employment support
o Immediate access for retrenched workers in the five identified regions to the Australian Government’s employment services, including access to intensive, personalised support and comprehensive skills assessments.
• Better connecting skilled workers to employers and training
o As recently announced, the North Queensland Employment Facilitator role will be extended to June 2020 along with the Employment Facilitator roles in Adelaide and North/North-West Tasmania. The facilitators will continue helping affected workers to identify and pursue new employment opportunities. From 1 January 2018 to June 2020, further support will be provided to retrenched workers in the Melbourne North/West region through a newly appointed Employment Facilitator.
o Jobs Fairs will be held across North Queensland along with the other four identified regions to connect workers and people looking for work directly with employers.
• Supporting workers to relocate for new jobs
o Immediate access to the Australian Government’s Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job Programme for workers under the Stronger Transitions package and current Structural Adjustment packages, including retrenched workers from the automotive industry and the Hazelwood Power Station.
• Providing access to small business opportunities
o support for retrenched workers to pursue small business opportunities by allowing access to the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme three months prior to retrenchment.
Stronger Transitions is part of the Government’s commitment to helping workers improve their skills and prepare for their next job.
For more information about the Stronger Transitions package visit: http://www.employment.gov.au/strongertransitions
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