The Andrews Labor Government is tackling workforce challenges in Victoria with a major jobs boost.

At the Jobs Victoria Conference, Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford today announced the Labor Government will create 995 jobs with a more than $19 million inclusive employment package – helping businesses find staff and supporting Victorians into secure work.

Jobs Victoria and their partners will connect people facing barriers to employment with employers in construction, healthcare, retail, transport and logistics, horticulture, information and communications technology, trade and commercial cookery.

Priority will be given to young people, women aged 45 and over, people with disability, long-term jobseekers, people seeking asylum and refugees and newly arrived migrants from non-English speaking backgrounds.

These 12-month opportunities offer paid pre-employment and work-readiness training, plus on the job training so people can develop the skills they need while they earn an income. New recruits will also receive wrap around support including mentoring and workplace buddies to help them succeed in their new careers.

With the state’s low unemployment rate and labour force participation at record highs, many industries face staff shortages and employers are struggling to fill vacancies. There are also around 600,000 Victorians who are either looking for work or in work but want more hours.

Since March 2020, Jobs Victoria has placed 38,000 people into work and helped employers take advantage of the benefits that inclusive employment brings to a business and the economy.

Today’s conference brings together Jobs Victoria partners, employers, industry and government representatives to showcase innovative solutions to labour market challenges, and features a keynote address from social advocate, four-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and all-round game changer Dylan Alcott.

Over the past three months, Jobs Victoria has held 16 face-to-face Local Jobs Forums around the state, where employers and community organisations discussed opportunities to address local workforce needs and support local people into jobs.

For a full list of projects and jobs visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.