A new employment initiative will create 200 jobs to service the state’s growing social housing sector, thanks to a partnership between Jobs Victoria and Homes Victoria.

Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today announced the Andrews Labor Government’s $3 million Social Housing Employment Program.

The program offers secure work for at least 12 months for jobseekers who are social housing residents, women (particularly women over 45), people with disability, the long-term unemployed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people aged 18-25, veterans and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Workers will earn an income while gaining an industry-relevant qualification. They will also receive mentoring support to ensure success in their new jobs. Recruitment has begun and will continue until mid-2023. The new jobs will be located in metropolitan Melbourne and Gippsland.

Demand for a skilled social housing workforce is set to increase as the Labor Government delivers the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, the largest single investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history.

The Social Housing Employment Program exemplifies how innovative partnerships, supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, are transforming lives. Jobs Victoria, Homes Victoria, Uniting Vic.Tas and Qualify Training are working together to deliver the initiative.

Jobs Victoria supports people looking for work and connects employers with the staff they need. It provides information, advice, and support in person, on the phone, and via the Jobs Victoria online hub.

For more information about the Social Housing Employment Program visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.