The Andrews Labor Government today launched the Jobs Victoria Employment Network (JVEN), which will help disadvantaged Victorians find meaningful work and stay employed.

Round one of JVEN will provide $25 million worth of grants to specialist employment providers, to help them connect disadvantaged jobseekers with job opportunities and support them once they are employed.

It will target groups that traditionally face the most complex barriers to employment and are not well-serviced by the Commonwealth system.

These groups include refugees, retrenched workers, the long-term unemployed, disengaged young people, people with disabilities, public housing tenants and Aboriginal Victorians.

Assistance tailored to the particular needs of each jobseeker, preparing them for work and supporting them once they have a job, to address personal or work-related challenges that affect their employment.

Applications through round one of the program will open on 4 May 2016, with projects to begin this year.

For program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, visit www.business.vic.gov.au/jobsvictoria.

JVEN is a key initiative of the newly established Jobs Victoria, funded with $53 million in last week’s Victorian Budget 2016/17.

Jobs Victoria will provide targeted support services for people looking for work and employers looking for workers, and will consolidate all Victorian employment services into one system.

The Victorian Budget also includes $12.4 billion in job-creating infrastructure, $116 million to establish 10 new Tech Schools and continued investment in our TAFE system, to give young people the skills they need for the job they want.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

 “Jobs Victoria Employment Network will give disadvantaged people in Werribee and across Victoria a helping hand to get a foot in the door.”

“It will provide  vulnerable jobseekers the opportunities they need to find a job and the support they need to keep it.”

“I encourage employment providers in Werribee to visit the website, find out more and get involved.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is giving young workers a head start, disadvantaged workers a fresh start, getting Victoria back to work.”