Brokers to make work link

DANDENONG is now home to a pilot program to help disadvantaged people gain and keep employment.
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich said the two-year Work and Learning Broker initiative would investigate and develop strategies to link disadvantaged people – in particular, public housing tenants – to local education, training and employment.
“Unemployment has a significant impact on a person’s economic wellbeing, now and into the future,” she said.
“It also affects their social participation, often depriving them of a sense of belonging to the wider community.”
Housing Minister Wendy Lovell said the rate of unemployment for people living in social housing was about three times greater than people in the private market.
“That’s why we are targeting this area in partnership with Mission Australia,” Ms Lovell said.
“Work and Learning brokers will support 50 people into jobs in Dandenong by working intensively with local people and employers.”
Ms Lovell said job support services often ceased once a client had been placed in a job, but the Work and Learning brokers would offer post-employment support to help people retain employment.
“They bridge the gaps between education, training and employment and continue to work with their client to tackle any issues that may arise,” she said.