2 March 2010 – Local Indigenous people have the opportunity to jumpstart their careers with an Indigenous Employment Project preparing them for jobs in the Central Coast automotive industry.
Jobfind Centres Australia is providing Indigenous people on the Central Coast the opportunity to participate in Jumpstart. Jumpstart is a 12 week project preparing local job seekers for employment in the automotive industry. The Central Coast is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified mechanics so participants in the project will have many career opportunities upon completion.
Jumpstart participants will complete 6 weeks training at Hand Brake Turn (a Registered Training Organisation on the Central Coast) to achieve a Certificate I in Automotive Repairs. This practical training will be supported by the completion of modules for a Certificate II in Business and work preparation training through Budda-Jitja – Jobfind’s online learning program developed by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people.
“Jumpstart is our local answer to Kevin Rudd’s ‘Closing the Gap’ initiative,” said Stewart Williams, Jobfind’s Regional Manager. “As well as developing skills for the automotive industry, these job seekers will participate in workshops about physical health, nutrition and self esteem. Our aim is not only for them to gain meaningful employment, but have the skills to maintain a positive work/life balance in the long term.”
Over the 12 weeks, participants will work on a number of motorbikes and cars as they hone their mechanical skills. At the conclusion of the Jumpstart program a motorbike will be auctioned off to benefit a local Indigenous charity.
“Jobfind is very excited that Jumpstart will not only give these local people great career opportunities, but that they will be working together to give back to their community by fixing up a motorbike for a charity auction”.
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NOTES TO EDITORS: About Jobfind Centres Australia Pty Ltd
Jobfind is a division of the Angus Knight group of companies, an Australian-owned organisation with a proven, decade-long record of providing quality employment and training services. A provider of the Australian Government’s Job Services Australia, Jobfind has placed more than 350,000 people into jobs since its inception. For more information on Jobfind and the Angus Knight Group, please visit www.jobfindcentre.com.au