MEDIA RELEASE - SEEDing opportunities for school leavers
September 2015
The Royalties for Regions funded Southern Forests SEED program is facilitating an expression of interest (EOI) process for school leavers, who may be interested in employment opportunities within the agriculture and food sector.Once placed, the students will work towards obtaining a nationally recognised qualification.
"Any school leaver can submit an EOI - they can be wanting to fill a gap year, looking for a long-term career in agriculture or simply seeking short-term work and education opportunities," said Shire President Wade DeCampo.
The program, known as the Agrifood Labour Project, is being run by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia (CCI WA). "The opportunity to tap into this project, which is already in existence, was identified by Stephanie Carstairs who is the coordinator of the Southern Forests SEED Program," said Cr DeCampo.
Cr DeCampo explained that there are job opportunities both within the region and across the State. "If people want to try something really different which includes living in a different town, they can. The bonus is that it will be more than just a job, as they'll be working towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification - a Certificate III in the agriculture and food production sectors."
The program is also seeking potential employers who are interested in taking on a young employee. "The benefits of this program are two-fold, with students getting some work experience and a qualification, and employers gaining an enthusiastic employee to join their work team," said Cr DeCampo.
Students can submit an EOI through Stephanie Carstairs at the Southern Forests SEED Program Stephanie.carstairs@manjimup.wa.gov.au or phone 0417 8814 665, or via Manjimup Senior High School VET Coordinator, Mr Kim Skoss kim.skoss@education.wa.edu.au or 9777 0515. EOIs will be forwarded to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Agrifood Labour Project.
Employers wishing to participate in the program are also encouraged to contact Stephanie Carstairs via the details above.
