The Andrews Labor Government has helped more than 6,000 Victorian jobseekers find work through the landmark Jobs Victoria program.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll joined Member for Werribee Tim Pallas at Werribee Open Range Zoo today to meet four long-term jobseekers who have been supported into work through Jobs Victoria.

The four women from Sudan, Charity, Margaret, Rieta and Salwa, were placed at Werribee Zoo by Jobs Victoria partners Westgate Community Initiative Group and Wyndham Community & Education Centre.

They all received support to develop their resumes, and work preparation and mentoring services, which enabled them to successfully gain employment in customer service and in the kitchen at Werribee Zoo.

Since arriving in Australia in 2002, Charity had only been able to secure intermittent work to support herself and her daughter, despite having completed tourism qualifications.

Thanks to the support, Charity is now working as a Customer Service Greeter alongside Margaret, who has a diploma in hospitality but had been unable to secure ongoing, permanent work.

Rieta and Salwa arrived in Australia mid-2000s and are now working as kitchen hands at Werribee Zoo and have since gained further qualifications.

The highly successful Jobs Victoria program provides targeted support to job seekers, helping them get job-ready and connecting them with employers.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 included a $21 million boost for Jobs Victoria, which will help an additional 2,000 long-term jobseekers into work – so they can share in the state’s strong economy.

Jobs Victoria partners have placed 850 jobseekers in work across Western Metropolitan Melbourne, including more than 230 young Victorians.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll

“We’re making sure that every Victorian has the chance to benefit from our state’s strong economy.”

“Unlike the national jobs programs, which have a one size fits all approach, Jobs Victoria is delivering tailored assistance to motivated jobseekers and is helping employers to find the workers they need.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“These two Jobs Victoria partners have done some amazing things in the west – helping long term jobseekers find secure work.”

“We’ll always support Victorians looking to find work and that’s exactly what we’ve done with Charity, Margaret, Rieta and Salwa at Werribee Zoo.”