01 June 2010 – 12 unemployed people from the Central Coast will officially ‘Jumpstart’ their careers on Tuesday 1 June as they graduate from an Indigenous Employment Project which has prepared them for jobs in the automotive industry.

Graduates of the Jumpstart project will be recognised on Tuesday 1 June for their successful completion of the 12 week course. The Central Coast is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified mechanics and Jumpstart was designed to assist local people fill this gap.

Developed by Jobfind Centres Australia and funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Jumpstart has changed the lives of the participants and their families.

Jumpstart graduates undertook 6 weeks of training at Hand Brake Turn (a Registered Training Organisation on the Central Coast) to achieve a Certificate I in Automotive. This practical training was 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 has been 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 people have participated in workshops about physical health, nutrition and self esteem. They are now able to gain meaningful employment and have the skills to maintain a positive work/life balance in the long term.”

As part of their practical training the graduates fixed up two cars and a motorbike which have been donated back to the community. The motorbike was auctioned off in late May to raise money for the Australian Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (ACADD) while the two cars will be presented to local families at the Jumpstart Graduation Ceremony.

“It is exciting that not only are these people now prepared for sustainable careers, but that their working together has resulted in 3 vehicles being donated to help families in need in our local community.” Mr Williams said.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

For photo opportunities or to attend the graduation please contact Claudia Fahey on 02 9259 5530.

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