The Western Australian government has opened a new skills centre in the Pilbara region to train and offer career advice to job seekers and young professionals.
The new South Hedland Jobs and Skills Centre (JSC) is located at North Regional TAFE’s Pundulmurra campus and is part of WA’s broader jobs and skills centre network.
Backed by Aboriginal organisation Bloodwood Tree, the new centre will help Aboriginal people across the Pilbara region with accessing training or jobs. It intends to deliver culturally sensitive employment and career services, information on training options, and access to job opportunities through the Aboriginal board.
Working with local industries to identify job opportunities, the new facility will also assist employers and businesses to create a more culturally aware workplace that can attract and retain Aboriginal employees.
WA’s JSC network offers free professional and practical advice on training and employment opportunities, including career guidance, apprenticeship, and training information. They also provide direct links to work and assistance with job searching.
The South Hedland JSC intends to provide outreach services to other locations across the region, such as Newman, Marble Bar, Yandeyarra, Warralong, and Strelley.
“The Pilbara region is known as the economic powerhouse of Australia, so it makes sense to have a Jobs and Skills Centre in Hedland to help connect local people with local jobs,” said Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery.
“Our Jobs and Skills Centres offer an invaluable, free service and are now in 17 locations across Western Australia, supporting more people than ever before to connect with work and training opportunities, with a further centre planned to open later this year.”
