Around 2250 people were connected with employment and skills training opportunities at today’s Australian Government Jobs and Skills Expo in Ballarat.

Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis said today’s Ballarat Jobs and Skills Expo was a great success.

“While a recent drop in the national unemployment rate is good news, we know that there’s more work to be done, particularly in the Ballarat-Bendigo region of Victoria,” Ms Ellis said.

“Since being introduced in October 2009, 47 Jobs and Skills Expos have been held across the country.

“The people who attended today’s expo took full advantage of more than 550 job opportunities, submitting 2190 resumes to the 70 exhibitors.

“From feedback received from exhibitors directly after the Expo, as many as 338 job seekers may be placed in jobs.”

Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King praised local job seekers, employment services and skills training providers and businesses who worked together at the event to make it such a success.

“Today’s Jobs and Skills Expo was a great boost for the region,” Ms King said.

“It is never too late to up-skill, re-skill or engage in the workforce and the Expo helped people in Greater Ballarat to take the first step.

“All Australians should have the opportunity to share in the nation’s success, and the skills shortages affecting many industries means there’s never been a better time to undertake some training to secure a job.”

The Expos are part of the federal Government’s  $3 billion ‘Building Australia’s Future Workforce’ package.

More information on the Jobs and Skills Expos is available by calling 13 1158 or from the website at www.humanservices.gov.au/expos