PeoplePlus Norfolk Island Branch Manager, Heather Bruce
Since 2016, PeoplePlus have been delivering a range of employment services for jobseekers and employers. The Norfolk Island VET Financial Assistance Initiative now makes it easier for Norfolk Island residents to access vocational training, including apprenticeships.
PeoplePlus has been operating on Norfolk Island for three years, but there is still some mystery around the services we provide for residents of the Island.
In a nutshell, PeoplePlus helps job seekers prepare for and find work, and match them to our employers’ specific recruitment needs. We’re also Norfolk Island’s exclusive jobactive and Disability Employment Services provider.
In a further win for the Island, since January 1, 2019 PeoplePlus has also been offering access to subsidised Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses to residents over the age of 15, undertaking courses provided by mainland Australia RTO’s.
Recruiting the right staff for your business can be a daunting process. Our team have worked hard to build effective working relationships with businesses across our community. Our service for businesses simplifies staffing needs and can provide additional assistance, such as:
Drafting job specifications to ensure we find the right job seeker for your business
Creating and posting job ads for the Norfolk Islander Newspaper and Facebook free of charge
Provide business advice for employers and new businesses looking for job seekers and those with specific needs.
We can help with every aspect of employment preparation and application, including:
Assist you in applying for jobs including answering selection criteria, writing cover letters, reviewing your education history and utilising the technology in our office to apply for work.
Reviewing the job register for all the positions we have advertised in the community and discussing any other non-advertised positions that may interest you.
Undertaking practice interviews to help prepare you for any problem-solving approaches or personal responses you may need.
Disability Employment Services including Disability Management Service for job seekers with disability, injury or health condition who need assistance to find a job and occasional support in the workplace to keep a job.
Post Placement Support services and connections to local community groups and allied health services.
PeoplePlus is a non-government organisation – private enterprise, you do not have to be registered with Centrelink to engage with this service.
In early 2019, PeoplePlus secured the Norfolk Island VET Financial Assistance Initiative - making it easier for residents of the Island to access vocational training.
The Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities has partnered with PeoplePlus to deliver the Initiative and provide information to Norfolk Island residents on the financial support now available to them.
The Hon Sussan Ley MP said “During my visit to Norfolk Island many issues were raised with me, including the need for Norfolk Island residents to have access to the full variety of education opportunities, such as Vocational Education and Training (VET).
“The sorts of qualifications people may wish to take up include those that lead to working in a trade—carpenters, chefs, plumbers or early childhood teachers."
The availability of new courses which will lead to career opportunities for roles in nursing, disability support and early childcare education and aged care will strengthen the skills for people in our community.
There are several employment opportunities which are currently available in these sectors. With the introduction of NDIS in July 2018, as well as the new construction project at Banyan Park Play Centre which is due for completion in 2020, there is expected to be demand for early childhood educators and facilitators next year.
PeoplePlus Norfolk work closely with AETS (Australian Employment and Training Solutions) and have established connections at Kingscliff / Wollongbar TAFE. Both organisations provide flexible study options to support your learning needs.
For students interested in earning a qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care, the training and support we offer for students include employing an experienced local mentor, with the course delivered via distance education and weekly face to face study sessions, via Skype, Zoom or other media, if in-person is not possible.
With several recent enrolments for apprenticeships to note, our team have received glowing feedback, as we continue to work throughout the year in building steady momentum for employment and training opportunities across Norfolk Island.
Heather Bruce is our Norfolk Island Branch Manager and has a background in hospitality and education.
Annie Kenny is our Norfolk Island Case Manager and has a background in human resources and law.
We make the perfect team to help you with your employment needs. Over the month of March, we connected and supported eight job seekers into employment. This is a great outcome in a market where employment is limited and approaching our quieter months.
Our services are on offer for anyone looking for work or wanting to fill a vacancy in their business. PeoplePlus provides a confidential service which can create quality support to the business community on Norfolk Island.
For more information, contact our office.
Phone: 22562 or 50925
Email: norfolkislandadmin@peopleplusaustralia.com.au