The Department of Employment has identified youth unemployment in the region to be two and a half times higher than the overall unemployment rate.

Skillset Workforce senior manager Jane McWilliam said the organisation wants to change this, prompting it to develop Pledge250.

This campaign aims to create 250 jobs for young people across the Central West.

“Our young people are our future and we need to ensure we are not only providing them with employment, but also ensuring that we are skilling for the future of our businesses and communities,” Ms McWilliam said.

Skillset Workforce already runs pre-employment programs to improve the skills of young people and aims to enrol over 200 young people in its Skills4Trade program in early 2017.

These young people will need employment opportunities, so the organisation is asking businesses to help by pledging jobs, whether they be apprenticeships, traineeships, temporary or permanent roles. 

“If businesses think they will be looking for staff anytime in the next three to four months we really encourage them to talk to us,” Ms McWilliam said.

“We will have a pool of talented young people who are keen to work and who have been supported to work out what the best fit career is for them.”

To find out more, businesses can call 1300 853 525, email pledge250@skillset.com.au or visit www.skillset.com.au.