OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG JOB SEEKERS IN LYONS

YOUNG job seekers in Lyons will get new opportunities to secure employment from the Federal Budget, says Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson.

Mr Hutchinson said today that the national $5.5 billion Growing Jobs and Small Businesses package would help employers in Lyons employ more young Tasmanians.

“Through the $1.2 billion national wage subsidy pool, eligible employers will receive up to $6500 if they hire eligible young job seekers under 30-years-old,’’ Mr Hutchinson said.

“New measures will focus on making job seekers more employable, reducing the costs of taking on new staff and bringing job seekers and job providers together.”

The Government has also ear-marked $331 million nationally for its Youth Employment Strategy.

It will include a $212 million Transition to Work program to help disengaged young people aged 15 to 21 years become job ready, Mr Hutchinson said.

“This program will start on January 1, 2016,’’ he said.

Eligible young job seekers will receive intensive support from community-based organisations with expertise in helping young Australians to develop the work-related skills employers need.

The program will target young people who are either not in the workforce or who are at risk of disengaging from the workforce.

The Transition to Work program will be supplemented by $106 million for intensive support to vulnerable young people most at risk of long-term unemployment including migrants, parents and those who experience a mental illness.

The Government will also set up an $18 million National Work Experience program for about 6000 job seekers annually.

This will be aimed specifically at young people to give them the opportunity to develop practical skills, gain workplace experience and better connect them with real jobs.

Mr Hutchinson said that from October 1, 2015 eligible job seekers would be able to volunteer for work experience in businesses for up to 25 hours a week for four weeks without their income support payment and supplement being effected.

A new $14 million Early School Leavers program will aim to improve education results and employment prospects for those who have not completed high school by ensuring that they look for work or continued study.
Federal Lyons MHR Eric Hutchinson