While employment remains a hot topic, this week we look at a government initiative to address youth unemployment in nominated regional centres. The Department of Education, Skills and Employment is seeking Career Facilitators to deliver Industry Training Hub Services. The program will be rolled out in New South Wales (Grafton, Gosford), Victoria (Shepparton), Queensland (Maryborough), Western Australia (Wanneroo, Armadale), South Australia (Port Pirie) and Northern Territory (Alice Springs).

These Training Hubs were announced as part of the Skills Package ‘Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow’ in the 2019-20 Budget, where the Government committed a $50.6 million investment over four years to pilot these ten Training Hubs in regions known to have high youth unemployment. The intention of the Career Facilitator will be an on-the-ground presence to map skills shortages and form partnerships between local employers, schools and those providing advice and education to students. The Career Facilitator will work to improve connections between local stakeholders, to create sustainable employment outcomes for the region and the broader economy. A local, full time presence is expected at each location with a key function being to encourage students in Years 11 and 12 to build skills and choose occupations in demand in the Region, focusing on traditional trades and other in demand occupations.

Note that Tenderers can chose to bid for more than one region, however separate, self-contained tenders are required for each region. The contract term is for two years with options for extension and services are expected to commence from January 2021.The closing date for this RFT is 11th November 2020.

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