Westmead Connectivity Centre launched linking locals to jobs

Multiplex Regional Managing Director NSW David Ghannoum was joined by City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson in a ceremony to officially open the centre.

Mr Ghannoum said the Westmead Connectivity Centre would co-ordinate job opportunities and act as a hub for collaboration between a broad range of western Sydney service providers.

"This is a whole-of community response to the specific needs of western Sydney," he said.

We know unemployment is a major issue for local people, and access to quality candidates can also be a challenge for job providers. The Connectivity Centre is a free service that aims to bridge that gap.

"This is a place where local employers, government agencies, training firms and community groups can come together to create some real, long-term solutions for people disadvantaged through unemployment in this community."

The Westmead Connectivity Centre builds on previously successful Connectivity Centres coordinated by Multiplex throughout NSW.

It will act as a hub for a number of specialist employment and training groups including Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES), Australian Training Company (ATC), Fusion Training, Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), yourtown and Metro Assist.

Parramatta City Council is also working as part of the collaborative, supporting community groups in gaining access to the space and the opportunities it provides.

The Department of Jobs and Small Business and the Department of Social Services has also supported the co-ordination and collaboration of employment service providers engaged in the Connectivity Centre project.

The Connectivity Centre, formally occupied by Aging, Disability and Home Care, was renovated by a group of 10 indigenous people as part of a Prevocational Training Program co-ordinated by Multiplex. The group used the project as an opportunity to complete a number of their course components on site, and have since been offered formal traineeships with Multiplex.

Mr Ghannoum said the Westmead Connectivity Centre was geared towards helping people become self-sufficient and as such, would offer job support services, as well as traineeships and apprenticeships, business mentoring and support, and networking opportunities.

"The Connectivity Centre isn't a set and forget scenario," he said. "Multiplex is in this for the long haul and together with the many stakeholders involved, we want to make an impact that is genuine, and that will continue to be felt long after the project is complete."