The release of Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations statistics also revealed the area's jobless rate 12months earlier was 11per cent.

Craigieburn's jobless rate hit 6.6per cent in the December quarter, compared with 4.6per cent 12 months earlier.

But this year seems more promising for those on the hunt for work. The number of jobseekers receiving the Newstart allowance dropped by 3.6per cent to 3621 in February compared with the previous month.

Broadmeadows has also been recognised by the federal government as one of only two Victorian suburbs in need of targeted funding for job services, with $1.5million in this year's budget allocated for job networks in the area.

Youth Projects chairwoman Melanie Raymond, whose organisation helps arrange training and employment for Hume jobseekers, said she was encouraged by the latest statistics, but would not celebrate yet.

"There is a new focus on the person, not just sending them out to work.

"That's important, because there is more at play when someone is trying to get a job than just what they are qualified for. There are structural barriers, like poor public transport and contractions in the job market. But with the correct approach with matching people's skills and mentoring them we can put people into jobs and have real solutions, and we're seeing that every day with the young people we are helping."

Among Hume youths to get full-time work through Youth Projects is Ozlem Ertala, 19, who had been searching for work in the tourism and hospitality industry since completing TAFE courses mid-last year.

She was placed at the Roxburgh Park Hotel in September and has since gained her liquor and gaming certificates and now works full-time in the gaming room and behind the bar.

"I was looking for work for about three or four months and I was getting really depressed.

"It was hard for me not to be contributing to the household."

In September she asked Youth Projects for help. The staff helped her improve her resume, write a cover letter and scout prospective employers.

"I don't have a car, so I wanted somewhere local. I just thought of the Roxburgh Park Hotel and so I put in my resume and cover letter and got a call within two days."

Ms Ertala said since then she felt she was contributing more to her household and life had been "better". "I'm a bubbly person and people tell me I'm a go-getter, so the tourism industry is for me.

"I'm working face to face with people and I really enjoy the atmosphere.

"Now I've got financial strength and my life has become much easier."