This year's Skillset jobs and skills campaign, 'SkillForce360', has gone above and beyond having placed 402 individuals into apprenticeships, employment or training across the central and western NSW.
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Mudgee has been ranked as the highest contributor of regional jobs as part of the campaign placing 136 people into education, employment and training.
Following the success of the 2016/17 'Pledge250' campaign, Skillset decided to increase the number to 360 for the 2018/19 installment with a heavy focus on skills and jobs.
Word from the Department of Jobs and Small Business reports positive changes to unemployment rates in Central West and Far West Orana to which Skillset has been a part of changing.
Since January 2016, the unemployment rate has dropped from 7.2 per cent to 5.5 per cent in the Central West, and since January 2017, the unemployment rate has decreased from 5.5 per cent to 2.9 per cent.
According to the 2019 Brotherhood of St Laurence's Youth Unemployment Report, the national unemployment rate sits at 4.9 per cent.
Skillset CEO Craig Randazzo said it is encouraging to see the low unemployment rates across the Central West and Far West Orana regions.
While there are many contributing factors, we are proud to be playing our part by creating initiatives like SkillForce360 which contribute to the economic well-being of our regional communities.
- Craig Randazzo
Skillset continues to apply focus to the importance of providing young people with skills and employment.
"The SkillForce360 campaign ends on March 31, but our vision doesn't end there. We encourage local businesses to partner with us to provide opportunities for the youth of our region to 'future-proof' their business by ensuring they grow the skills base they need for the workforce of the future," Mr Randazzo said.