Stories of the frustrations and sense of isolation that being stuck on the job-hunting merry-go-round have been told countless times over the years.

For some they have the skills and experience and yet they keep missing out, whether that be as a result of too many others vying for the same job or because they are told they are over-qualified.

At the other end of the spectrum are those just starting out. For them the concept of “catch-22” looms especially large.

They need “experience” to get a job, yet until an employer gives them a go it is impossible to get that experience.

This has resulted in many programs, often run by government agencies, being developed to try to develop training options with on-the-job experience as a very important part of the package.

All the theory in the world of course so often gets you nowhere when employers are looking for people who have the background that lets them hit the ground running.

That dilemma of the “catch 22” is something Lauren Usic was well aware of when she tried time and time again to get work.

The reward though in her getting a hospitality job in central Albury is not just her’s alone – the enthusiasm she brings to her new job means it’s a big plus for her employer.

That kind of spin-off is clear for her employer, Jan Hancock from the restaurant Saludos, in the excitement Miss Usic brings to the job.

This is the type of workplace experience that shows why The Personnel Group’s Community Champions project is such an innovative program worthy of the Border’s support.

At the heart of it, Community Champions aims to get employers to consider providing a  job vacancy, work experience or an industry information session for job seekers.

As Personnel Group employer relationship manager Stephen Shiel says: “Community Champions is a call to arms to give people an opportunity.”

It is why this initiative is so worthy of widespread backing.