WAKEFIELD Regional Council is moving to address recruitment issues limiting business growth in the area, by hosting a Careers and Employment Expo for high school students in a bid to place more young talent into the local workforce.

WRC Mayor Rodney Reid said the expo was a first step in Council’s efforts to help fill some major job vacancy gaps.

“Difficulty recruiting to job vacancies, both seasonal and permanent, was a common theme for major employers that emerged on a recent Council industry tour of the region,” Mayor Reid said.

“Linking local youth with these opportunities, plus the many others available across the district, will help give school leavers some valuable experience in the workforce and assist with recruiting to these vital roles, both seasonal and permanent.”

Mayor Reid said the expo will feature employers from a range of career options, including the aged care sector, nursing, primary health, education and more.

The expo will be held on Wednesday 30 March in the Balaklava Town Hall.

“Holding the event in Term 1 will ideally give students some time to weigh up their time demands and future study plans, whether that can include seasonal work, consider starting conversations with employers for the year after school or shaping their studies to align with a particular career path,” Mayor Reid said.

Students have been invited from Balaklava High, Horizon Christian, Clare High, Riverton and Districts High, Kadina Memorial and Harvest Christian School.

Council staff are working with employment facilitators from the Local Job Program for the Upper Spencer Gulf and Mid North Regions, who held employment expos in both Port Pirie and Kadina last year.

“The advice from these experienced professionals will help shape our expo, moving it away from the traditional truss table and pamphlet handout format into something a whole lot more engaging between the students and participating employers,” Mayor Reid said.

Early responses from major employers who will be at the expo include Viterra, AGT Foods, Balco, Seven Point Pork, Department of Education, SA Health, Career Employment Group, Mill Court and Gilbert Valley Homes.

“More invitations have been sent out and we’re accepting expressions of interest from businesses or entities who wish to get involved in the expo,” Mayor Reid said.

“While these larger businesses have the capacity to attend the event, smaller businesses with job opportunities including traineeships and apprenticeships, can list those details on a job register, which will be distributed to students at the expo.”

Council is also committed to working with local businesses and industries to address another barrier – the lack of rental and housing options in the Mid North region.

“Major employers are reporting issues recruiting to vacancies due to the squeeze on accommodation,” Mayor Reid said.

“The availability of housing isn’t a quick fix and we’re working with developers and industry leaders on a strategy targeting that particular issue.”

For more information, email les@wrc.sa.gov.au or call 0417 864 030.