from Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training

The Tasmanian Liberal Government recognises the importance of having the skilled workforce to support our economy as part of our plan to secure Tasmania’s future. That’s why on March 16, 2021 we unveiled a $20.5 million package to get Tasmanian workers into jobs.

A key recommendation of PESRAC Report is the creation of Jobs Tasmania Local Networks to strengthen the links to job opportunities to ensure more Tasmanians have the opportunity to live and work in the place they call home.

We will work to establish these local networks that link to our existing hubs, however we know Tasmanians businesses need workers now.

Our two-year, $20.5 million package to help Tasmanian workers into jobs includes:

• $6.5 million over two years for the Tasmanian Employer Bonus to help employers take on long-term job seekers who need a fair go, with a $6,500 bonus for those employers.
• $3 million to fund an additional 600 training places in Certificate III in Individual Support, which is the crucial qualification staff need to work in the Aged Care and Disability Support Sectors.
• $3.2 million for low cost or free buses by expanding our Area Connect Service. This will provide transport to get people to work, training or education where no easy alternative exists. The current six routes will be expanded to service 16 Local Government Areas;
• $2 million Job Ready Fund to help job seekers with the costs for licencing, working with vulnerable people checks, or a tool-box with equipment necessary for a new job;
• $2.4 million to expand our successful Job Matching Service and place more jobseekers with local employer vacancies;
• $1 million investment to extend TasTAFE’s successful Skill Up initiative which provides fee-free training for those hardest hit by COVID in key areas such as health, ICT and business, and tourism and hospitality;
• $850,000 in the Youth Navigators project for the next 12 months which will see disengaged youth get the extra triage services they need to navigate further education, training or employment opportunities. Through an alliance between Beacon, City Mission, Colony 47, Headspace, Impact Communities and YNOT, young people will receive one-on-one guided support for the next steps in their lives;
• $400,000 investment to establish a Workers Connect Portal, providing Tasmanian business and jobseekers with authoritative information about local jobs, programs and the support services available; and
• $200,000 to deliver Regional Jobs Shows and events to showcase local employment and industry opportunities in partnership with regional jobs hubs and community groups.

We are also pleased to announce these projects will be managed by our new Jobs and Participation Unit, which will align with the adult learning and vocational training strategies in Skills Tasmania.

The Jobs and Participation team will be funded over the next two years to deliver initiatives to ensure Tasmanians can access opportunities in their communities and are ready for work.

Tasmania’s recovery from the pandemic is well underway, and we will continue to invest more into the essential services, including the skills Tasmanians need to join the workforce as part of our plan to secure Tasmania’s future.