Valued link: April Siner is delighted at getting a job after a six-month wait. Picture: Scott McNaughton
APRIL Siner never thought a social networking site like Facebook would help her find a job.
The Craigieburn resident was one of the first to take advantage of a new Hume employment initiative called JobLink 3064.
The program, officially launched on Wednesday, is aimed at at helping young Craigieburn residents find work in the area.
It's a partnership between Hume Council, developer Stockland, Kangan Institute and Meadow Heights Learning Shop.
Ms Siner, 21, discovered JobLink about a month ago and has since found work in Craigieburn after being unemployed for six months.
"I picked up a flyer about a month ago; I had been looking for work," she says.
"I hopped online and there were office administration positions. I applied and a day later I was called in for an interview."
Ms Siner secured a job at the Highlands Hotel, where she will work in administration.
"For people my age, everyone is bound to have a Facebook page, even if they don't go on [the site] much. Instead of searching for friends you can type in JobLink 3064 and it's right there."
Within the Highlands community, JobLink will also advertise casual, part-time and full-time positions created by the recent opening of the Stockland Highlands shopping centre and the Highlands Hotel and Entertainment Complex, which is scheduled to open about the middle of this year.
If training is required for the roles, JobLink can link candidates to courses at the Kangan Institute and Meadow Heights Learning Shop.
Applicants with the necessary skills for a particular role will be recommended to the relevant employer.
Stockland regional manager Ben Cantwell said the jobs program was a step forward in developing the Highlands and the wider Craigieburn community.
"By giving Hume's youth a tool to access jobs in their local area, we are encouraging them to build a successful and rewarding career while fostering a healthy, engaged and robust community that's fully self-sufficient."
More details: facebook.com.au/joblink3064