Victorians looking for a new job or a career change can now access free advice and support from a 600-strong force of advocates, mentors and career counsellors, ensuring no Victorian is left behind in the search for work.

The $260 million employment service is being established as part of the $619 million Jobs Victoria initiative, which supports people looking for work and connects employers with the staff they need.

More than 420 Jobs Victoria employment service staff have now come on board, with a further 180 mentors, advocates and counsellors to be added to the burgeoning program.

Mentors help people find a job that suits them and support them in their role for the first six months. The mentors will assist people who have been unemployed for six months or more, or are without a job and at risk of long-term unemployment, and can also connect employers with suitable local candidates.

The career counsellor service helps people understand their career options and goals and give them the tools to explore different interests, identify transferable skills and create a pathway for change.

Advocates will be out in communities throughout Victoria connecting people with the services that are right for them, whether it be help with their resume or help connecting them to or directing them to an employment service.

One early beneficiary of the new employment services has been Ethiopian refugee Obitsu Yusef, who was struggling to find work in her dream role working as an in-home support worker, despite applying for dozens of jobs.

With the help of her Jobs Victoria mentor Esther, Obitsu was able to get three job interviews and two job offers after Esther helped her find job opportunities and prepare for interviews – which has led to Obitsu securing a regular paycheck for the first time in her life.

Jobs Victoria employment services are delivered by a network of 75 partners across the state – local people who provide specialist employment support and advice. The services are accessible online and over the phone while restrictions are in place.

Jobs Victoria also supports employers and small businesses by helping them find staff and apply for wage subsidies to grow their businesses.

The $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund pays subsidies of up to $20,000 per eligible employee to businesses that employ people hardest hit by the pandemic, including women aged over 45. The Fund also supports industries facing workforce shortages by working with employers to recruit and train workers to fill roles.

For more information visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.