A taskforce led by City of Logan Mayor Darren Power is kicking goals with job seekers and businesses.
The Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce has already put more than 100 people into work locally.
Launched in November last year, the taskforce aims to reduce unemployment in the city.
That figure has shrunk in the past two quarters to 7.7 per cent, while the annual labour force growth is up to 8.1 per cent – the highest in the region.
The Mayor says his program is making an important difference.
“I’m proud to say the taskforce is achieving some great outcomes for local job seekers and businesses.”
“It’s putting local people into work, while filling vacancies and easing the burden on employers.”
“More than 100 people being placed in work is a great outcome.”
The taskforce has established a network that links businesses and job seekers with employment service providers as well as training and youth organisations.
The loganjobs.com.au website also helps businesses find the right staff.
Meadowbrook plumbing supplier Aquaknect has filled five processing positions thanks to the taskforce, which introduced them to local employment services.
General manager Michael Glover says the Mayor’s taskforce was a huge help for his business, which was struggling to fill vacancies.
“The taskforce has been sensational, relieving a lot of the pressure for us in finding new and suitable staff.”
“It’s been hard trying to get people. They come and then they disappear, or they don’t turn up to begin with.”
“With loganjobs.com.au, we picked one new employee up right away. Others came on board soon after.”
The taskforce also stepped in to help Securelux ease the production pressure at its Loganholme factory.
The company, which makes security screens and doors, was short staffed. The taskforce introduced the firm to local training groups to help fill three vacancies.
Munster Services Group, at Slacks Creek, also placed two young workers into trade apprenticeships thanks to the taskforce, while Meadowbrook company Black Label Blending filled three food processing positions.
Beenleigh firm Residential Scaffold had 23 referrals to a ‘try a trade’ session organised by the taskforce.
The taskforce aims to increase engagement with local schools to further reduce unemployment.
There are also plans to monitor job vacancies and work with job seekers to apply.
City of Logan businesses that are struggling to find staff can contact the taskforce by emailing paulabailey@logan.qld.gov.au
