The Workforce Australia National Forum, including the Employment Facilitator and Support Officer Conference, is an event for the department, employment service providers, Employment Facilitators and Support Officers to collaborate and engage in meaningful discussions around employment service delivery.
On 29 August, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations hosted the annual National Forum in Melbourne. The event was attended by up to 185 employment services provider representatives, Employment Facilitators and Support Officers from across Australia.
The forum was an opportunity for the department and its stakeholders to share information, experiences and engage in meaningful discussions on providing employment services.
Employment Facilitator and Support Officer Conference
Running concurrently with the forum, the department also hosted the annual Employment Facilitator and Support Officer Conference on 28 and 29 August.
On 28 August, Employment Facilitators and Support Officers focused on successful employer engagement, innovative ways to build Women’s Workforce Participation and strategies used to support local tourism and the hospitality industry to create secure and sustainable entry level jobs. There was also opportunity to hear about successful initiatives as well as inspiring interactions and connections with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Workforce Australia National Forum
On 29 August, Employment Facilitators and Support Officers joined many of the Workforce Australia National Forum sessions as well as some separate sessions that focussed on effective projects and Net Zero opportunities and transitions.
The forum included a pre-recorded welcome from Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for the Arts, The Hon Tony Burke MP; and our very own DEWR Secretary, Natalie James delivered an insightful address.
Secretary’s speech at the Workforce Australia National Forum – 29 August 2023
Attendees also shared the different ways they support employers to tailor job requirements and deliver in-work supports to individuals:
- understanding individual needs
- tailored pre-employment programs
- providing on the job support, mentoring and coaching to employers and individuals
- provide greater access to work experience.
If you would like more information about the forum, please email ProviderEngagement@dewr.gov.au.