The NSW Business Chamber has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s $100 million Smart, Skilled & Hired initiative announced in the 2016-17 Budget as a step in the right direction toward solving the problem of youth unemployment in the Guyra and Armidale region.
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NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Joe Townsend said that youth unemployment is a significant issue in our region, which both Guyra and District Chamber of Commerce and the NSW Business Chamber has been bringing to the attention of political decision makers for a number of years. It currently sits at 18.13% well above the state average of 12.22%.
“That’s why we’re pleased the Smart, Skilled & Hired package directs funding toward the regions where young people are most in need of help in their transition to work,” Mr Townsend said.
“The new Smart, Skilled & Hired package targets youth unemployment ‘hotspots’ and we need to train up our young people in the areas where we know there are good prospects for work.”
“Training a new cohort of young people in the construction and disability sectors will ensure that the workforce of the future has skills that will be in demand in years to come and help us retain our Youth in the Guyra and Armidale Region.
President of Guyra and District Chamber of Commerce Aileen MacDonald also welcomed increased funding for roads and $15 million in additional funds for the Mobile Black Spots Program.
“We hope this will alleviate the mobile phone problems we have in the Guyra CBD,” Aileen said “Not only are these investments key to improving the safety of road users, many of these highways service key regional tourist destinations which create employment and prosperity for the towns and villages along the way.”
