The government’s new jobactive programme is helping the long term unemployed in Young to find work and build skills.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the programme was offered through local employment service providers in Young including The Salvation Army, MBC, Max Employment and Employment Services Group.

He said jobactive providers were being incentivised to find people suitable jobs through a new compliance framework, encouraging job seekers to undertake activities, to meet Mutual Obligation Requirements and actively look for work. “Jobactive is all about outcomes. I’m really backing this new programme,” Mr Taylor said.

“The Federal Government has also just announced a new National Work Experience Programme where eligible job seekers can contact a jobactive provider to volunteer for work experience in a local business for up to 25 hours a week for up to four weeks.

“Employers who go on to offer a young person paid employment may be eligible to receive a wage subsidy of up to $6,500 over 12 months. I encourage local businesses to consider taking a work experience person on under this programme.”

Mr Taylor said jobactive providers were also placing long term unemployed people into Work for the Dole projects where participants receive income support while giving assistance back to the community. “A team at the Young Showground has been doing a tremendous job fixing up showground buildings and grounds, preparing the grounds ahead of the recent show and doing various admin tasks,” he said.

Cassandra Gendle, who has been on the Work for the Dole team since August, said she has enjoyed the experience. “I’ve put in a lot of extra hours leading up to the show. I have learnt a lot and am getting a lot more confidence working around other people.”

Team leader Mick Alexander said a lot of positives were coming from the project. “Participants develop a wide range of skills for their future working life. I am seeing higher self-esteem, teamwork, mateship, pride in themselves and their work.”

For more information on employment opportunities, the National Work Experience Programme or Work For the Dole, contact a jobactive provider by calling 13 62 68 or by using the search tool at: http://www.jobactive.gov.au/