IBC Welcomes Positive Employment Report

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics report shows the region's employment situation improved with the unemployment rate in the Illawarra falling to 6.3%, from 7.8% in November & Wollongong's unemployment rate falling to 6.5%, from 9.3% previously.

Both the Illawarra and Wollongong have now recorded 3 consecutive months of falls in the unemployment rate.

The report shows the unemployment rate most likely peaked around October last year and that employers are starting to hire again, following last year's slowdown in the economy.

This turnaround in employment prospects is particularly good news for the region's youth who are trying to get a foothold in the workforce at this time of the year, as they finish their studies at school, TAFE or University.

The Illawarra has a poor track record when it comes to youth employment. But the region's businesses are trying to create opportunities for them.

The Illawarra Business Chamber has embraced the Federal Government's Apprenticeship Kickstart initiative which is aimed at boosting apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

Late last year the IBC contacted all of its members to talk to them about the benefits of taking on an apprentice or trainee and encourage them to take advantage of the additional incentives being offered to employers by the Federal Government.

Hopefully the combination of continued improvements in the economy and initiatives such as Kickstart mean we can look forward to more good news on the employment front in the months ahead.