Rise in employment across region

BY ABBY WALTER

Furthereducation and skills development is a focus of Wimmera leaders to combat the challenges of a tight employment market, with a low unemployment rate across the region.

Wimmera Development Association executive director Chris Sounness said while unemployment figures had slightly increased in the Wimmera and Mallee during the past two months, they remained ‘very’ low in the region.

Mr Sounness said 68,500 people were employed in the Wimmera and Mallee in March 2020, compared with 83,000 in November 2022.

“That’s a 20 percent increase in employment, compared to Victoria’s four percent increase in employment,” he said.

“However, unemployment did go up, too, from 2600 in March 2020 to 3500 in November 2022.

IN THE GROOVE: Horsham’s Ss Michael and John’s Primary School students have learned new moves during a series of dance workshops.

STOMP Dance Company hosted hip-hop workshops throughout last week — part of its offering of innovative, fun and energetic dance and performing arts programs for schools. Instructor Tabitha Alexander leads a group of students as part of the Horsham workshop.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

“In March 2020, our youth unemployment was at 10 percent and in November last year, it was 9.1 percent, so that reduction is a good sign.

“The percentage of our population participating in the workforce is probably the most relevant statistic, with 56 percent in March 2020 and now 66 percent in November 2022.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released employment trends for December 2022.

Nationally, the unemployment rate remained at 3.5 percent and the participation rate at 66.7 percent. The underemployment rate remained at six percent.

The Victorian unemployment rate is also 3.5 percent, with the state’s participation rate at 66.6 percent.

Mr Sounness said the region was experiencing a tight employment market and the challenge was the need for a skilled workforce.

“We have a shortage of people to fill jobs and employers are giving people a go who possibly haven’t been given one before,” he said.

“Employers are looking for skilled workers, so we need to ensure we are supporting people to develop their skills.

“Of the roles advertised in our region, 41 percent required a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, while only 14 percent required a year12 or Certificate I qualification.

“To continue to grow our region we need to focus on building people’s skills as employers look for higher qualifications than year-12.”

Education investment

Mr Sounness said if the market was to weaken, it would be important to invest in further education.

“There’s a growing importance on further education, but there are so many opportunities to receive qualifications through traineeships and while working, so people can learn on the job and get paid,” he said.

Skillinvest regional accounts manager Shane Cross said job vacancies throughout the organisation were above average to previous years and well-above vacancies during COVID-19 restrictions.

“Skillinvest is currently advertising to fill 19 apprenticeships and traineeships, not including other active jobs that we fill through our existing database,” he said.

“Labour hire is currently looking for seven active vacancies.

“We are seeing a higher demand in business administration, hospitality, agriculture, carpentry, water operations and civil construction.”

Mr Cross said the organisation was receiving limited applications with people withdrawing or not showing up for interviews.

“About 25 percent of our jobs would be extended, due to lack of interest,” he said.

“People applying for positions are more so unemployed adults seeking employment. Usually, about now, we start seeing more interest trickle in from last year’s school leavers, so we are expecting that again.”

Mr Cross said there was an upward trend occurring with apprentices, trainees and labour hire workers needed for bigger projects in the region.

“The positions are certainly out there, and we encourage jobseekers or young people looking to do an apprenticeship or traineeship to register with Skillinvest, where we can match you with quality positions,” he said. “We support candidates through the entire recruitment process and provide ongoing support and mentoring for apprentices and trainees throughout their training.”

Mr Cross said people could call Skillinvest on 1300 135 008 to speak to a consultant or visit website skillinvest.com.au/jobs to register for work or apply for a position.

Anniversary service

A commemorative service in Horsham this week marks the 81st anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.

Japanese enemy forces bombed Darwin on February 19, 1942 – becoming the largest single attack a foreign power had ever mounted on Australia. The attack left hundreds of people dead and many others injured.

The Bombing of Darwin day is a time to pay tribute to servicemen, women and civilians who defended Australia, selflessly helped others and dealt with the aftermath.

The military militia defending northern Australia from Japanese forces included more than 900 men of the Wimmera and southern Mallee.

The Horsham commemorative service is at the Horsham College assembly hall, on Dimboola Road, on Friday, starting at 9.45am.

The program includes wreath-laying, guest speaker Keith Lockwood and music from Natimuk Brass Band.

After the service, wreaths will be placed at the Horsham RSL and Darwin Defenders memorial at Sawyer Park, Horsham.

The Bombing of Darwin Day joined Anzac Day and Remembrance Day as nationally observed days, from 2011.

Almost 200 aircraft dropped more bombs on Darwin than used in the attack on Pearl Harbour. It was the first of more than 60 air-raids on northern Australia, which continued until November 12, 1943.