Illawarra jobs expo seeks to bridge critical skills shortage
A free jobs expo in Unanderra will connect Illawarra locals with employers and training providers to explore career, apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.
A major employment event is set to connect Illawarra job seekers and school leavers with businesses struggling to fill the region’s skills gap.
The Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo, run by Albion Park-based Workplace Learning, aims to help employers and training organisations find the right candidates.
“What employers are telling us is that what traditionally was called the soft skills are now deemed key employability,” said CEO Marty Burgess.
“The ability to work in a team, ask good questions, good communication, interpersonal skills, people who act and work in a safe manner, people who really want to get on and support the business, as what employees look for.”
The event, to be held at the Illawarra Hockey Centre in Unanderra, is in its second year and already has 30 exhibitors signed up, representing industries ranging from engineering to hospitality.
It includes organisations like the Motor Traders Association of NSW and CareForce Hub.
“Businesses that get involved are those that are actively advertising for employees right now … it varies with the market,” organisers explained.
The recently released State of the Workforce Report by Regional Development Australia Shoalhaven found more than 1,500 job vacancies remain unfilled across the region.
The event aims to contribute to closing this gap by connecting employers with potential new recruits.
“Often families come along with their young person, as well as school students and unemployed people. We also get people looking to change careers.”
The Expo builds on Workplace Learning’s broader initiatives, including placing 3,527 students in vocational work placements in the last year. It also runs programs like Get Back in the Game, which supports young people who are not engaged in any other learning or training, and Mind Flight 7, an immersive virtual reality introduction to the workplace.
Workplace Learning still has space for exhibitors at the Apprenticeship, Traineeship and Jobs Expo. Contact Marty Burgess on 0460 546 536 for more information.
The event is free for attendees and will run from 2pm to 7pm.
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