The first in the 2006/2007 nationwide series of Jobwise workshops kicked off on 13 November.

The workshop, held in Hornsby NSW, was hosted by IPC Employment and, while you wouldn't normally associate Angry Anderson with a mature age workshop, as the MC he was lively and entertaining.

More than 70 participants attended the workshop, including mature-age job seekers, local Job Network members, Centrelink and local employers. One of the speakers included former Jobwise participant Fiona Falconer who shared her positive experiences of the programme.

Other speakers included a representative from the local Chamber of Commerce, work preparation trainers and a local employer. Ida Birrell from DEWR New South Wales gave a presentation about the ageing population, the North Shore labour market and MAEWS.

Many of the workshop participants will attend a Jobwise Self Help Group commencing on 17 November. These groups allow mature-age job seekers to exchange experiences, provide mutual support, develop their job search techniques and improve career choices. They will be particularly valuable those who are not eligible for Job Network services. More information on Self Help Groups can be found here.

The workshops are available to mature age people aged 45 and over. Participants can find out about current employment opportunities, the nature of the contemporary labour market and the latest job search techniques. Participants are also given information about employment services, and those eligible have the opportunity to contact their chosen employment services provider.

Further information about other Jobwise workshops around Australia, please visit Workshops.


Above: Participants at the Jobwise Workshop

Below: Babette Ferguson, Karen Walsh, Ben Carblis - IPC; Ida Birrell - DEWR; Melanie Jarman - IPC; Angry Anderson; Linda Mortimer - DEWR.