UGS Blog post

A recent story in the Geelong Advertiser that revealed the region's devastating employment statistics highlights the growing concern for those without work. It has been well documented that Geelong has lost its once strong reputation of being the industrious capital of the state, with Ford and Alcoa announcing major job losses. However the flow on effect of this has seen those in the casual job market, such as Kyle Sinclair, fall victim as well. "I worked at Belmont Timber for five years," Sinclair, 28, said. "I was let go earlier this year and was out of work for more than six months." Sinclair is now employed by Bartruss, part of the Barwon Timber family, on a casual basis, but admits getting back into the job market had its difficulties. "The job agencies can only do so much, there are a lot of agencies but only so many jobs." Laura Richmond, who is the Operations Supervisor at recruitment agency Skilled, admits the job losses at places like Ford, Alcoa and Target have caused an influx of job seekers through her doors looking for work. Richmond says agencies like Skilled can help put people back in work who are prepared to do a variety of roles. "If they're prepared to do anything, and sometimes work for less, then there are jobs out there," she said. However it is not just the job seekers who are feeling the pinch in the current climate. Sinclair’s girlfriend, Amy Johnson, was living with Sinclair in a rental property before he became unemployed. The two of them had to cut back on groceries and social activities before making the tough decision to move back in with their parents. “It’s hard because you’re excited about taking that step and having your own place but then you have to go back with your parents,” Johnson said. “It was horrible seeing him apply for so many jobs and just not getting a response back. It makes you feel a bit depressed when you’re out of work.” Sinclair echoed the sentiments of his girlfriend, admitting it was a terrible feeling not being able to wake up next to Amy like he had before. “It felt like we’d taken a step back in progress from starting our lives together,” he said. ‘It wasn’t much fun, it was definitely a change. You wake up next to them every morning and it suddenly stops.”

ALJ301- Geelong jobs