ONE-hundred job seekers found work at yesterday’s Jobs and Skills Expo in Albury, with more than 1000 people attending the event aimed at linking them with employment and training.
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Organisers said the number of job offers would increase as employers reviewed resumes.
“The effects of people in employment flow onto the rest of the community,” said Paul Creedon from the Department of Human Services.
“That’s 100 individuals and their families leading up to Christmas; it gives them a bright 2013.”
Murray Goulburn, SKILLED and Master Builders Association Victoria were among 53 exhibitors who spoke with the 1020 people who came through the doors of the Albury Entertainment Centre.
Organisers said 330 resumes were taken by exhibitors and 303 jobs were advertised, covering positions from panel beaters to truck drivers.
Employment co-ordinator Julie Tyndall, from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, said there were more vacancies in hospitality, transport and logistics and aged care on the Border.
Ms Tyndall said times had changed from 20 years ago when entry-level jobs were “king”.
“The market is demanding higher skilled workers,” she said.
The 6.8 per cent unemployment rate in Albury-Wodonga, compared to 5.4 per cent nationally, did not reflect a lack of opportunities in the region, she said.
Instead, Ms Tyndall said apprenticeship vacancies were increasing.
“If you really want to work and you’re prepared to up-skill you’ll get those jobs,” she said.
Albury’s Dehne Scoble has been out of work for the past year after losing his job at McDonald’s Birallee.
The 23-year-old is looking for labouring or IT work but said nothing at the expo was for him.
He said he would take part in training programs but it was expensive.
“I can’t afford much at the moment,” he said.
“But if it’ll help get the jobs I’m sure I’ll do it.”
Mr Scoble said the expo could help connect job seekers with employment services.
