Skillset's 2019/20 jobs and skills campaign 'SkillForce500' has gone above and beyond, reaching its target five days early.
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A total of 512 people have been engaged in employment or skills development across central and western NSW during the six month campaign period.
The Mudgee region has made a significant contribution to the development of skills and employment, placing 83 individuals into education, employment and training.
Following on from the successful 2018/19 'SkillForce360' jobs campaign, Skillset raised the bar to 500 with this year's campaign focusing on jobs as well as education and training programs.
Skillset CEO Craig Randazzo said it's more important than ever to support local business.
"Many small businesses across Australia are currently feeling the impacts of Coronavirus COVID-19. Regional businesses are admirably agile, but it's important that we as a community get behind them to support them through this challenging time," he said.
Skillset run a jobs and skills campaign each year and in the 21 campaign months since November 2016, they have seen 1,248 individuals transition into apprenticeships, traineeships, employment and training.
Hot Engineering understand the value of keeping skills local in our regional communities and through Skillset's 'SkillForce500' campaign, they committed to providing employment opportunities and skilling local youth.
Hot Engineering Director Hamish Bryant is a former Skillset Metal Fabrication Apprentice.
As a business it's important to give back to the local community. The SkillForce500 campaign presented a great opportunity for us to support the training and skills development of the next generation in our trade.
- Hot Engineering Director, Hamish Bryant
SkillForce500 new starter, Dustin Orth, commenced a Certificate III in Engineering Metal Fabrication - Boilermaker Apprenticeship with Hot Engineering in February.
"An apprenticeship has been a beneficial way of learning. Combining the hands-on industry training with study has allowed me to really immerse myself in the trade," Orth said.
"The SkillForce500 campaign may end on March 31, but our vision doesn't end there. We encourage local businesses to partner with us to provide opportunities for the people of our region and to continue growing the skills base of their business to ensure our region is prepared for future demand," Mr Randazzo said.