Launch of Coffs Coast employment campaign

The cutting-edge campaign, which is known as Jump Start, has been launched at an employer event in Coffs Harbour by the Federal Assistant Minister for Employment and local federal member, Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP.

"The aim of APM's Jump Start campaign on the Coffs Coast will be to place 15 people with a disability into jobs with local employers in the month of May," said APM's Group Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hobday.

"Jump Start is specifically designed to enhance collaboration between employers, employment services providers like APM and job seekers.

"Raising awareness among employers of the free support which is available to them from employment services providers is extremely important.

"APM has a pool of ready-made job seekers in the region who are ready to start work and therefore, we are urging any employer who is looking to recruit staff to contact us."

APM ran a similar campaign in the western suburbs of Melbourne in September last year and it was very successful.

"Our team has extensive experience providing services which include pre-employment screening and assessment, capacity-building, preparation for work, job matching, job placement and ongoing support once an employee commences work," Mr Hobday said.

"Employment improves the self-esteem of job seekers, it provides a valuable resource for employers and benefits the economy more broadly."

APM partners Programmed (www.programmed.com.au) and MEGT (www.megt.com.au) are supporting Jump Start on the Coffs Coast.

The event also included a presentation on health and wellbeing in the workplace from the Director, Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Services, for the Mid North Coast Local Health District.