Logan looks within for new jobs growth
The creation of a strong well-trained local workforce to fill local jobs is a key focus of a new employment initiative launched today by City of Logan Mayor Darren Power.
The Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce will develop programs with employers, service providers and training organisations to ensure skills being taught align with available local jobs.
The taskforce will have a strong focus on enhancing employment opportunities for Logan youth.
Unemployment in Logan is 9.1 per cent (ABS: June 2021) with youth unemployment a staggering 17.6 per cent.
Councillor Power said those numbers underline the importance of getting his Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce operating as soon as possible.
“We want to get local jobseekers involved in training programs that will give them skills that align with the needs of local businesses,” Cr Power said.
“We also want to leverage the strong desire among local businesses to support our residents through education, training, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“We want to develop a willing workforce that has the skills and training to apply for jobs not just here in Logan but across the state and country.”
Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven said Logan City Council would continue to seek funding from the Australian and Queensland governments to support economic development and jobs growth in the city.
“Everyone knows how good it is to do business in Logan and we’re seeing record investment in our city,” Councillor Raven said.
“We want to remove the barriers to employment and upskill our residents so that Logan job seekers can work for local businesses.”
The taskforce, chaired by the Mayor, will develop a Local Jobs Action Plan to:
- identify key employment priorities and local labour needs
- support and drive employment and training opportunities across Logan
- implement programs and solutions to address local workforce issues
- investigate improving the LoganJobs platform.
It will also appoint an Employment Support Coordinator to help deliver the core activities of the taskforce and engage with industry leaders and external stakeholders.
“We want to develop a willing workforce that has the skills and training to apply for jobs not just here in Logan but across the state and country.”
— Mayor Darren Power
Imaging Solutions, which manufacturers healthcare x-ray aprons and other cutting edge products, is a City of Logan company that has been quick to embrace the benefits of training and hiring local workers.
Several of its current employees undertook a specialist machinist training course with TAFE Queensland and a new in-house training program is planned soon specifically targeted at creating jobs for local school-leavers and youth.
“We know there are a lot of people in Logan looking for work and those who undertake our next training program will definitely be offered jobs in our local manufacturing sites,” Imaging Solutions Chief Executive Officer Glenn Honey said.
The company’s Deputy CEO, Dr John Kapeleris, added: “Imaging Solutions is committed to developing a custom-designed training program that is aligned with new skills development to grow and enrich jobs in Logan.”
After being adopted at today’s committee meeting, the Mayor’s Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce now goes to next week’s Ordinary Council meeting for endorsement.
<caption>City of Logan Mayor Darren Power gets some sewing tips from machinists Charlene Kim (left), of Kuraby, and Annabella Lewis, of Marsden. Charlene and Annabella have gained work with Imaging Solutions after undergoing training courses for local jobseekers at the company’s Meadowbrook factory.
