Big Call For Indigenous Jobseekers

Newcastle Herald

Saturday February 11, 2006

Tess Campbell

AN employment agency and education provider joined forces this week to help overcome the Hunter's indigenous unemployment problems.

The Salvation Army's employment arm and Call Centres of Excellence launched the training program, which aims to prepare long-term unemployed indigenous jobseekers for call centre work.

Eighteen per cent of the region's indigenous residents are unemployed, three times the average of the general population.

Fennell Bay mother of three Norma Gordon said the program was her best opportunity to break into the workforce.

"The course started last week and already I've got a lot out of it," Ms Gordon said.

"I have more confidence, I am excited to get out and start work and can do it now that my children are older.

"It feels great to take the first step towards supporting myself, rather than getting parent benefits."

The Salvation Army's Byron Keating said the training program began in 2000.

He said graduates had enjoyed an 80 per cent success rate for employment.

Tess Campbell

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home