Work for the dole ‘works’ says leading Australian employment services provider

Work for the Dole can improve people’s skills and help them to get jobs, according to one of Australia’s top performing employment agencies.

Jobs Statewide, a five-star performer under both the current Jobs Services Australia and previous Job Network models, says much of the criticism of the Federal government’s reintroduction of Work for the Dole is unfounded and believes it will lead to better employment and training outcomes.

Jobs Statewide Chief Executive Officer Wendy-Jayne Williams said Jobs Statewide ran more than 100 Work for the Dole programs under Job Network with more than a quarter of participants leaving early to either accept employment, or commencing in education. 

“On completion of Work for the Dole programs, this number increased to more than 50% gaining employment or commencing in accredited training to further their employment prospects,” said Ms Williams.

“Work for the Dole can build skills, help the job seeker to stay focussed on finding employment, engender community pride and leave a positive legacy for the community.

“Our previous Work for the Dole programs built skills across a range of industries including property maintenance, horticulture, community and aged care, retail and finance, IT, hospitality and even aircraft restoration.

“However, it needs to be well managed to ensure the work undertaken is meaningful and is developing new job seeker skills and leading directly to employment or further training.”

Jobs Statewide cites the 2007/08 restoration of the Norwood Oval as an example of how Work for the Dole can be successful.

The 12 month restoration project was completed in April 2008 and provided training and skills development for 90 job seekers with 30 gaining employment during or following completion of the project.

Work undertaken included repairs to the grandstand’s seating, establishing new gardens, upgrades to the medical rooms, preparation and maintenance of the playing surface and the planning and design of new structures.

The project provided a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to gain new skills, build their confidence and improve their communication and organisational skills.

“There are programs within both the Job Network and Jobs Services Australia models that worked well and it’s important to learn the lessons of the past in shaping a new model for government funded employment services said,” said Ms Williams.

“Work for the Dole is one of those successful programs there’s no doubt in my mind that it will help get people into work.”

Jobs Statewide also advocates for a greater focus on supporting employers.

“A tailored approach is in place for job seekers but too often the needs of employers are overlooked,” said Ms Williams.

“Employers require the same level of attention in order to build their confidence in employing job seekers, particularly the long-term unemployed, and to create new employment opportunities.

“Without recognising the needs of the employer and supporting them to create jobs much of the job seeker training and capacity building is just wasted,” said Ms Williams.

Under Work for the Dole, from July 1 unemployed in 18 locations across the country will have to work about 15 hours a week for six months, if they are aged 18 to 30 and have been receiving Youth Allowance or Newstart for 12 months or more.

Work for the Dole placements will be found with local councils, Federal and State government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.

ISSUED BY HUGHES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Please contact Simon Hatcher on (08) 8412 4105