Youth given break into the workforce

Rockingham youth agree there is a shortage of jobs in the region, but believe obtaining employment is not out of the question.

For 18-year-old Hillman man David Higton, the job hunt took 15 months before finding fulltime employment in February at ASC Submarine in Henderson.

On graduating high school in 2012, Mr Higton printed hundreds of resumes and visited East Rockingham businesses, hoping someone was looking for a helping hand.

“After six months of handing out resumes I sort of gave up,” he said.

“Without experience I wasn’t even given a chance, even though I was willing to work without pay to prove myself.” Mr Higton said seeking help from Bridging the Gap opened his eyes to the reality of the job market.

“They treated me with the respect I deserved, and helped with my social skills and how to communicate to work things in my favour.”

Bridging the Gap also helped 22-year-old Cooloongup father Matt Cutts find work to support his family.

Mr Cutts said months of coldcalling and handing out resumes for no return made him feel “worthless”.

He admitted there was a shortage of work but believed there were jobs out there if individuals were prepared to work for it.

Mr Cutts said the prerequisite of experience resulted in a viscous cycle, but was thankful to have broken it with his casual job at Rockingham Roofing.

Bridging the Gap chief executive Colin Kerr refuted the notion work was not available in Rockingham and Kwinana, believing it was up to the individual to make themselves desirable for employers.

“A survey of employers from two years ago found they weren’t necessarily looking for skills, but people who dressed well, were able to communicate and had enthusiasm,” he said.

“It’s about creating a relationship with the business you want to work for.

“Don’t wait for the job to be advertised — work your way into a job by being productive.”