THE Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to announce completion of the first pilot in Devonport as part of its Work Readiness project.

Nine of the initial 13 participants undertook work experience and have been validated as work ready by their host employer. Three others entered further education. To date, several of the host employers have offered participants employment opportunities.

The Employer Validated Work Readiness project is an initiative of the TCCI funded by Skills Tasmania, based on employer feedback on the lack of work readiness of new workers, job seekers and work experience participants.

The Devonport pilot began on February 2, 2015, with the participants provided with two weeks of
coaching and mentoring before undertaking four weeks of supported work experience with local employers.

TCCI CEO Michael Bailey said the content of the project was developed through collaboration with employers, who were becoming frustrated and disappointed by the number of potential employees who had very little understanding of what was expected in the workplace.

‘‘Throughout the work experience, participants were asked to demonstrate attributes that employers defined as making someone work-ready,’’ Mr Bailey said.

‘‘These attributes were primarily soft skills including attitude, initiative, seeking and listening to constructive feedback on performance, and identifying and solving problems within the workplace.

‘‘It’s terrific that nine unemployed are now deemed work-ready by employers and three are in further education, which is a big tick for the program. We will continue to monitor the progress of all participants.’’

The TCCI will roll out the program to three more locations across the state, starting in Huonville in April, followed by Hobart in May and Launceston in June.

For further information on the Work Ready project, visit www.tcci.com.au or call 1300 599 122.