What Western Sydney’s largest employer is doing to help our region’s economy…
As Western Sydney University is the largest employer in our region responsible for 5,000 jobs, it was positive news to hear they haven’t had to let anyone go through Covid-19. They are in overdrive working on schemes and solutions to ensure they can continue to retain all their staff.
I was fortunate enough to have some time with the Director of Employability and Graduate Success at Western Sydney University, Christopher Youness who shared some of the brilliant initiatives facilitating introductions between graduates and Employers – most of which are Western Sydney based businesses.
Some initiatives include the Western Sydney University CareerHub job board and the Job Match tool that connects Australia’s leading employers to students and graduates. 70% of 5,000 jobs advertised are in the Western Sydney region.
Another industry focused engagement strategy is the Western Paddl Games event series, that provides learning and networking platforms for students and grads with industry leaders and future employers in our region.
We all know how important it is to attract the best talent for companies to flourish. Keeping our best grads employed in companies in Western Sydney will have a direct impact on the success of those businesses and our region.
Christopher Youness says, ‘Western Sydney University is showcasing the region for what it is – the 3rd largest economy in Australia, a powerhouse in development and growth. It’s important for us to keep our emerging talent in Western Sydney, as well as attracting employees from other parts of NSW to our region’.
“A key driver for creating jobs is to up-skill and educate the region for the future by providing incentives for people to choose education and training pathways that ensure they are readily employable in key growth industries.” said Danny Rezek, Partner, Deloitte Private.
WSU is a key stakeholder in shaping Western Sydney’s future and not just as our region’s largest employer. Recent announcements for University fees to be overhauled to encourage degrees into job growth areas will in turn increase graduates employability.
Education Minister Dan Tehan says, ‘the changes will incentivise study for the jobs of the future.’
‘We are facing the biggest employment challenge since the Great Depression,’ Mr Tehan said. “And the biggest impact will be felt by young Australians. They are relying on us to give them the opportunity to succeed in the jobs of the future.’
Through COVID-19, Chris says, ‘we are helping students realise and adjust to the current climate and supporting students from hospitality retail and food into areas like disability care, nursing assistant and counselling fields.’
As part of WSU Covid recovery efforts, ‘we are helping students move into industries that are thriving but also addressing the support needed for industries in turmoil.’ Chris says.
Through this health crisis their support was ready to go with the University fast tracking degrees for medical students to be deployed as medical interns. In addition, supporting Western Sydney hospitals with nursing students being deployed through their Nursing School of delivery.
WSU is also offering a range of short courses, to assist people who may be out of work as a result of COVID-19 in acquiring new skills or retraining for new careers. Certainly a path we are referring job seekers to explore.
As a Western Sydney advocate and WSU alumni myself, it was a privilege to have the opportunity to connect with Chris and showcase just how significant an impact the institution is having on Western Sydney’s future job creation. 2020 has surely raised questions around our thriving regions economy, but it’s clear we can rely on WSU to have some answers.
Written by Nicole Sisinni Relationship Manager at Norwest Recruitment & Southwest Recruitment.