More than 3300 people were connected with employment and skills training opportunities at the Australian Government Jobs and Skills Expo on the Sunshine Coast yesterday.

Minister for Employment Participation Ms Kate Ellis said yesterday’s Sunshine Coast Jobs and Skills Expo was a great success.

“While the unemployment rate on the Sunshine Coast has improved over the past year, there is still lots of work to be done,” Ms Ellis said.

“Yesterday locals took advantage of nearly 650 job opportunities, submitting 1783 resumes to the 70 exhibitors.

“Exhibitors have told us that as many as 371 job seekers may be placed in jobs – real jobs for people seeking work now.”

Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr said job seekers took full advantage of the Expo.

“I’m delighted to see local job seekers take full advantage of the many employment and training opportunities provided at the Expo,” Senator Carr said.

“The outcomes achieved yesterday will have a positive impact on many individuals, their families and their communities.”

Minister Ellis praised local job seekers and organisations who worked together to make the day a success.

“Yesterday’s Jobs and Skills Expo was a great boost for the region and a wonderful example of local organisations working together to help people find a job,” Ms Ellis said.

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

Since October 2009, 49 Expos have been held across the country, as part of the Gillard Labor Government’s $3 billion ‘Building Australia’s Future Workforce’ package.

More information on the Jobs and Skills Expos is available by calling 13 11 58 or from the website at www.humanservices.gov.au/expos.