Work for Dole at hospital

Rockingham General Hospital has joined forces with Communicare to give jobseekers a chance to gain valuable skills and experience while giving back to the community.

The new program provides Work for the Dole jobseekers with placements of 15-25 hours a week for six months in the hospital’s linen, kitchen and cleaning areas.

RGH patient support services manager Vicki Lea said the initiative was driven by staff wanting to make a difference in the community by providing opportunities to those in need.

“Our hospital has a large role in the community and we felt it was important to reach out and form ongoing partnerships that benefit the broader population,” she said.

“The program benefits everyone as jobseekers gain valuable work experience and the hospital receives additional support to provide better care to patients.”

Warnbro resident Christian Klaus, who took part in the program seven months ago before he was offered casual employment at the hospital, found the experience very rewarding.

“I was very grateful to later receive a job offer as it was something that would not have happened if I had not completed my placement at the hospital,” he said.

Communicare chief executive Melissa Perry said it was rewarding to see Mr Klaus’ confidence grow as he developed professional relationships with colleagues and patients.

“The aim of our Work for the Dole activities is to increase the skills of jobseekers to match those wanted by employers and provide them with opportunities to network,” she said.