While it’s been only been three months since Rachael Cafe took up her new role as BUSY At Work’s new Industry Training Consultant, it’s fair to say she already has a great understanding of the issues and challenges faced by local job seekers and employers.
Since joining the Ipswich Mall office in August this year, Rachael has been kept very busy engaging with employers, job seekers and education and training organisations.
As a born and bred local, Rachael is well aware how Ipswich has changed into a major Queensland city over the past ten years.
“Like any growing city Ipswich has had its ups and downs and youth unemployment remains at a high level.”
“Having lived here all my life I am passionate about this community and want to see Ipswich continue to grow and provide sustainable long term employment for local people,” Ms Cafe said.
Rachael said BUSY At Work was committed to providing career opportunities to job seekers through apprenticeship, employment and community programs.
“We are an Australian Apprenticeship Support Services (Australian Apprenticeship Support Services) provider and are committed to building a close network with employers and offering them information about why having an apprentice or trainee might be a viable choice for their business.”
“Through our Gateway Services we can also provide a range of tools and services to assist job seekers to find their ideal pathway,” Ms Cafe added.
Rachael said BUSY At Work was keen to see more local businesses take advantage of the Queensland Government’s Youth Boost initiative which is specifically targeted towards employers who hire unemployed youth aged between 15 and 24.
“Ipswich employers can now take advantage of $20,000 Youth Boost initiative with payments made direct to employers who hire job seekers for apprenticeships and traineeships where the employer is not eligible for Queensland’s Apprentice Trainee rebate for payroll tax.”
“Subject to the availability of funds, Employer Support and Youth Boost Payments will be available for employers who hire an eligible jobseeker between up until 30 June 2018,” Ms Cafe said.
Rachel said payments were also available to employers for employing a person of any age.
“While the Youth Boost payment continues to provide a greater uptake of apprentices and trainees into local Ipswich businesses it is also important to remember that eligible employees can also attract a payment of $10,000, and this increases to $15,000 for employees who have been unemployed for 52 weeks or more,” Ms Cafe explained.
BUSY At Work Managing Director, Paul Miles said youth unemployment remained a significant regional issue and BUSY At Work would continue to be strong advocates for apprenticeships and traineeships as valued career pathways.
“Our free Gateway Services have been designed so that employers and job seekers can receive the most relevant service to their own particular circumstances.”
“We are proud to deliver this high quality service which not only provides a positive experience for employers and job seekers but will also encourage employers to hire more unemployed young people,” Mr Miles said.
The Youth Boost payment is made up of three instalments which are paid directly to employers across a 12 month employment period. Payments are subject to employers continuing to meet the Youth Boost payment eligibility requirements.
To find out more information about Youth Boost and the Back to Work Program or visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 | leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
