Employer Assistance Program encouraging local communities and businesses to work together

Sydney, 10 August 2004 – When 52 year old Kasha Kira Sa Ra moved to Sydney from New Zealand, she didn't expect her age to become a barrier to employment. But thanks to the help of Jobfind Centres Sydney and Petersham Childcare Centre, Kasha is now an assistant in a field she is passionate about.

When Petersham Childcare Centre director Joan Townsend needed to find an assistant to help manage 26 children aged between two to five, she teamed up with Jobfind Centres in Sydney to identify a suitable job-ready candidate from Jobfind's extensive database.

Just one day later, Jobfind matched Joan with Kasha, who was hired on the spot because she displayed the right attitude, life skills and experience towards working with young children.

“Being responsible for my own business plus 26 young children is not the easiest task, and I needed all the help I could to find the right person for my Centre. Not only did Jobfind help me source a quality employee within 24 hours, but I was also eligible for $4,000 in wage and training subsidies for hiring Kasha”, says Joan.

The Employer Assistance Program (EAP) was designed by Jobfind Centres to help small businesses ease the cost-burden of hiring a new member of staff. As part of the Federal Government's job network, Jobfind Centres is able to assist employers before and after they hire a job seeker from Jobfind Centres. The program can include assistance in the form of:

•  Staff training expenses

•  Wage assistance or subsidies

•  Tools, equipment, uniforms

•  Workplace modifications

•  Licences and tickets, qualifications

“ Jobfind is always looking for innovative ways to help employers save time and money when recruiting and training new staff, and the EAP is our latest initiative that aims to encourage businesses and job seekers in the community to work together”, says chief executive officer of Jobfind Centres, Mr Con J. Kittos.

Joan, who at 71 years old displays the energy and characteristics of someone at 21, is an advocate for hiring mature-age job seekers. According to Joan, it sometimes takes a certain type of person such as a mature-age job seeker with the patience and right temperament to fill the role of a childcare assistant successfully.

“Age shouldn't hold anyone back from getting a job, and employers have to realise the value a mature-age person can bring to the work environment,” says Joan.

“After 46 years in the industry and running my own business, I've discovered that people with qualifications don't necessarily make the best candidate for a job”, says Joan.

“The EAP subsidy of $4000 is just an added bonus which on top of finding Kasha. Most of that money will go back into the business, probably for new toys for the children”, says Joan.

For Kasha, her journey to employment was long and difficult. After working in New Zealand with special needs children, she moved to Sydney seeking similar work, but spent almost two years searching with no luck. As a mature-age job seeker with experience but no qualifications, she was beginning to think she would never find a job.

“I'm extremely grateful towards Joan for giving me a chance to work with children once again, and relieved that employers can see the real value and life skills someone like myself can bring to the workplace. I'm really enjoying myself and it's a lovely environment to work in”, says Kasha.

Contact information:
info@jobfindcentre.com.au