Working for Victoria Program supports those in the ECEC sector affected by job loss

Gaining new skills and having access to new job opportunities are two vital components to weathering the COVID-19 related job losses that have impacted on a variety of sectors in the Victorian employment landscape – including the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector – Victorian Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney has said. 

 

To support both businesses in need of support and prospective employees, the Victorian Government launched a new initiative last week in the Working for Victoria Fund. 

 

Working for Victoria is open to workers who have recently lost their job, or casuals, including those in the ECEC sector, who no longer have shifts – including international students and temporary migrants. Relocation, accommodation and transport subsidies are available to eligible participants.

 

The first raft of positions secured through the Working for Victoria Fund were announced last week with more than 60 people taking up new roles with Foodbank helping prepare care packages for people in need across Victoria, with Foodbank having received a grant through the Fund to support the new team members.

 

More than 2,500 workers are expected to be placed through the $500 million Fund by the end of this week. The Fund is part of the Government’s $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package that is providing a range of support to Victorian businesses.

 

Around 450 jobseekers have found work in roles connected to the quarantine program for returning international travellers – including transport operations, security and cleaning – while others are working in call centres, including as part of coronavirus contact tracing efforts, help lines and administration.

 

The Premier encouraged Victorian businesses to connect with the program, saying “if you need workers, we can match you with staff quickly”. 

 

As part of the program, free online courses are available for those who have lost their jobs, and who are registered with Working for Victoria. The courses cover cleaning, food hygiene, first aid and other important skills, ensuring those who are ready to work come with requisite skills needed to perform in new roles. 

 

Businesses and those who are seeking new positions are invited to register for the program here.