A one stop shop for students, jobseekers and career changers around the Wheatbelt has been officially opened in Northam.
Education minister Sue Ellery visited the town on Thursday afternoon to open the Northam Jobs and Skills Centre based at the Northam Central Regional TAFE campus.
The centre, that includes outreach services to Moora and Merredin, joins 12 other Jobs and Skills Centres open across regional and metropolitan Western Australia.
Minister Ellery said the Northam Jobs and Skills Centre will work to address the Avon and Wheatbelt region's unique local needs and assist jobseekers of all ages, with a particular focus on helping school leavers develop skills needed to enter the workforce.
She said Jobs and Skills Centre staff provide free professional and practical advice on employment opportunities, career advice and apprenticeship and training information.
Local job seekers shared their experience with staff at the centre, which has been operating since December 2018.
Northam resident Shannan Smith said she sought help from the Northam Jobs and Skills Centre to develop her resumé for a role in the community services sector.
Ms Smith said thanks to this support] she has received an offer of employment.
Zachary Antonio came to the Northam Jobs and Skills Centre seeking advice about possible careers and training pathways.
He is now undertaking a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing at Central Regional TAFE in Northam.
Minister Ellery commended staff at the centre for already proving their importance to the community.
"We are focused on extending the reach of training and upskilling opportunities in regional Western Australia," she said.
"The Northam Jobs and Skills Centre is about creating jobs for people from the Avon and Wheatbelt region by directly linking training with employment, based on the needs of local industry.
"Centres like the Northam Jobs and Skills Centre are already proving their value, with clients like Shannan and Zachary achieving their employment and training goals."
Career and Aboriginal services at the centre are being provided through staff at Directions Workforce Solutions Inc.
Minister Ellery said Aboriginal people are a priority client group and extensive local stakeholder consultation was undertaken to ensure Aboriginal people benefit from the new service delivery model.
A comprehensive website that includes a jobs notice board, qualification lists and a course search feature is also available to access at www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au.
