Employment, Higher Education and Skills Minister Gail Gago said $2.1 million would fund employment and career services projects delivered in partnership with seven Regional Development Australia boards.

“These 20 projects will result in 815 people getting a job, while a further 839 people will be better prepared for work or further study,” Ms Gago said.

“Projects will focus on a number of industries including aged care, child care, retail, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, transport, viticulture and agriculture, and in some cases will provide tailored career services to meet individual needs. People who are unable to gain work immediately will be transitioned into alternative employment pathways, such as further education and training, work experience, career services or volunteering, as the next steps towards employment.”

”The funding aligns with the State Government’s Northern Economic Plan, Our Jobs Plan and the WorkReady skills, employment and training initiative.

Projects in the following regions will commence over the coming months:

“As previously announced, for the Far North region a joint $240,000 labour adjustment support package will assist 440 Alinta workers to find new jobs,” Ms Gago said. “Career advisers in Leigh Creek and Port Augusta will help Alinta workers identify their skills, and provide advice about local opportunities and help connect them to available local jobs. “The funding will also be used to develop an online skills profile of Alinta workers, which may be accessed by employers looking for new staff.