A new Westvic Staffing Solutions program is giving job seekers access to work experience and community groups access to volunteer helpers.

Westvic Staffing Solutions is entering the work experience phase of its Job Services Australia contract and is looking for community groups to host job seekers.

Job Services Australia operations manager David Hermans said the program could be a great benefit to both job seekers and community groups.

“If community groups want to get some free help this is a great way to do it and at the same time give a job seeker some valuable work experience,” Mr Hermans said.

The project has started at the Warrnambool community garden where a job seeker has been placed to hone their horticultural skills and contribute to the upkeep of the site. Westvic Staffing Solutions has also made work at the community garden easier by donating $500 worth of tools.

Mr Hermans said the program could benefit a variety of community groups. “There are a range of activities and a range of groups in the community sector that could become involved. We can help everything from environmental action groups and not-for-profit sporting organisations to aged care and volunteer emergency service groups,” he said.

“It is also very beneficial to the job seeker as they can develop skills, demonstrate their abilities to a prospective employer, receive structured training and get new contacts.”

Westvic Staffing Solutions can provide training to ensure the person on work placement is an asset to the community organisation.