Disadvantaged jobseekers in Dandenong and Doveton will be connected to local employers and find jobs and training opportunities as part of a new Andrews Labor Government initiative to put more people into work.

Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams today launched the $500,000 Dandenong-Doveton Community Revitalisation project – featuring employment-focused initiatives to boost opportunities for people who face barriers to employment.

It will address a number of priorities identified by the City of Greater Dandenong Employment Taskforce – made up of industry leaders and community groups.

A key priority is the expansion of the One Percent Project – which brings together local employers to recruit more of their workforce from economically disadvantaged communities.

Community revitalisation funding will enable this project to involve more businesses and better connect the region’s employment programs with local job opportunities.

The Dandenong-Doveton Community Revitalisation project will strengthen links between employers, school transition programs and TAFE institutes to create more opportunities for early school leavers to get into pre-apprenticeship programs.

The City of Greater Dandenong Employment Taskforce will also work closely with community service agencies and schools to connect families struggling to find work with employment services and employers.