The Australian Government Jobs and Skills Expo is coming to the Sunshine Coast, bringing with it hundreds of local job and skills training opportunities for job seekers in the region.

Minister for Employment Participation, Kate Ellis, today encouraged job seekers, employers and training and educational organisations in the region to get involved in the Expo, which is part of the Government’s $3 billion ‘Building Australia’s Future Workforce’ package.

“This is an excellent opportunity for local job seekers and people interested in undertaking further skills training to meet a range of employers and training providers in a single location,” Ms Ellis said.

“The Government is supporting employers through programs and incentives to help find and train people with the skills they need, and the Jobs and Skills Expos provide a great opportunity to connect employers with potential employees.”

Minister for Human Services, Kim Carr, said the Sunshine Coast Jobs and Skills Expo is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to action at a local level.

“This is a great opportunity for local jobseekers to meet employers and training providers in one spot, on one day,” Senator Carr said.

“I encourage local employers to get on board. Exhibiting is free, so even if you can’t be there, your job vacancy or skills training opportunity can be displayed,” he said.

The Jobs and Skills Expo will be held at the Lake Kawana Community Centre on Wednesday, 2 May from 10 am – 3 pm.

“The Expos are designed to create a jobs and skills marketplace, bringing employment services providers, private recruitment agencies and registered training organisations, as well as Government and other agencies with employers and job seekers, all under one roof on one day,” Ms Ellis said.

“It is never too late to up-skill, re-skill or engage in the workforce and these Expos are helping people on the Sunshine Coast 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 Expo at the Lake Kawana Community Centre will have a jobs board with jobs on offer and a skills board where local skills training organisations promote courses available in the area.

Since October 2009, the 49 Jobs and Skills Expos held across Australia have connected more than 18,300 people with employment and many thousands more with skills training opportunities.

Those interested in exhibiting at the Australian Government Jobs and Skills Expo on the Sunshine Coast should call 13 1158 or visit the website at www.humanservices.gov.au/expos.

Employers can also contact their Local Employment Coordinator, Chris McCue, on 0408 074 001 at any time, should they wish to follow up on available assistance.