Just as he inspired the Newcastle Knights to numerous victories, Paul ‘the chief’ Harragon is set to inspire a legion of job seekers in the Hunter area to secure work.
Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon today announced the former Knights great will be the guest Jobs Ambassador for the ‘Keep Australia Working’ Jobs Expo on Tuesday, 29 June at the Maitland Showgrounds from 10am – 3pm.
There will be hundreds of jobs on offer at the Maitland Showground from exhibitors representing businesses, apprenticeship organisations and Government agencies.
Mr Fitzgibbon says local job seekers need practical help – which is what the Expo will provide.
“Jobs Expos are a pretty simple idea. We put people who need a job in the same room as employers who have jobs,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“So far 20 expos have been held securing over 8,100 jobs for people looking for work.”
Mr Fitzgibbon said that local training providers would also come to the Expo offering opportunities for local people to improve their skills.
“The Jobs Expo will also give locals a chance to find new skills or update existing skills to help them find the right job,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“I realise there’s a lot of people out there who are doing it tough at the moment, especially in the Hunter, so I’m here to lend a hand,” Mr Harragon said.
“I know first-hand what it’s like to have career ups and downs, and how important having a job is.
“My first real job was an apprentice Fitter and Turner at BHP in Newcastle. It was hard work and I was at the bottom of the rung, but I stuck it out because I knew there were opportunities around the corner.
“That’s why I encourage people to come down to the Maitland Showground on Tuesday 29 June and have a look at the jobs on offer.”
Local organisation, The Mai-Wel Group has already registered as an exhibitor.
The Mai Wel Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Pennie Kearney, said the ‘Keep Australia Working’ Jobs Expo provides a great opportunity to source new workers in the Hunter area.
“At the Jobs Expo we will take the opportunity to showcase our Registered Training Organisation, Mai-Wel Training Services, and the courses and training packages available to job seekers to gain accreditation in the Community Services and Business fields. We are also offering ‘Care Career’ opportunities within Mai-Wel, for job seekers interested in careers as Support Workers and Production Assistants in our business and community services divisions,” Mrs Kearney said.
“Mai-Wel is keen to meet and speak with local job seekers as we have a number of places available at the Jobs Expo in Maitland for people looking for a job in our newest business, Mai-Wel E-Cyling Services.
"Our advice to others businesses is that the Jobs Expo is a positive initiative which will showcase your business to potential employees. It may also help you identify people who will add to the success of your business. But most of all, it's giving local job seekers the opportunity to find out what is available in our local area."