By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
RETRENCHED Geelong workers have less than a week to enrol in a unique program to find them jobs.
Coordinator Bernie Cooke said the program was only half full despite the region’s outbreak of retrenchments over the past two years.
Enrolments for the free four-day workshop close Thursday.
“There’s a lot of good work being done to help retrenched men and women back into work but those I’ve spoken with say they’re having issues dealing with their unemployment after being in a reliable job for such a long time,” Mr Cooke said.
The Independent reported last year that Beyondblue was warning former Alcoa and Ford staff to guard against depression and other mental health issues following retrenchments. Recent figures have shown a five per cent rise in psychological distress levels across the region since 2008, in tandem with job insecurity and manufacturing sector redundancies.
Geelong Region Local Learning Employment Network (GRLLEN) is running the workshop program and two others with federal funding.
The workshop is for mature-aged men retrenched more than four months ago.
Mr Cooke said the programs aimed to help identify career pathways and employment opportunities, including some of Geelong’s “21st Century manufacturers”.
“These initiatives will help reduce Geelong’s employment concerns and stimulate further economic growth within the region.”
Mr Cooke said job seekers and businesses willing to participate could phone him on 0409 139 355 or email bcooke@grllen.com.au.
