New Hunter Valley Jobs website launches

Cessnock City Council is urging businesses to assist in the test phase of a new local jobs portal and list their position vacancies for free. The new website, cessnockjobs.com.au, is being piloted to make hiring easier for Hunter Valley employers and job seekers.  

The website is a one-stop online shop where businesses can advertise positions and residents can search for local jobs. It has meaningful information and resources about vocational education, training and local career pathways.  

Council is pre-launching the site to businesses through its economic development arm, Advance Cessnock City. The site was developed in response to real-time needs of businesses as identified in Council’s Skills Audit in 2018.  

Council’s Acting Economic Development Manager, Rhiannon Stevens is encouraging businesses and job agencies to list their vacancies and to assist in testing the website.  

“In 2018 two out of five surveyed businesses in Cessnock City said they were experiencing skills shortages. Businesses told us their occupational and training needs for the next two years and we have curated the information on the Jobs Portal in response to these findings.”  

Council’s Skills Audit also found small and micro businesses were overwhelmed with attracting quality workers and the cost of employing but also found it difficult to navigate the process to take on a new employee. Ms Stevens said the Jobs Portal will simplify the process for businesses to employ.  

“With the introduction of new technologies and such as single-touch payroll, there are so many more layers for business to understand when putting on a trainee or finding base pay rates.”  

Local businesses can find information on incentives and resources on employing, local case studies, and can even advertise positions they have available for free.   Council is working with TAFE NSW, employment agencies and training bodies to better foster outcomes and engender positive perceptions by businesses in employing locally.  

Cessnockjobs.com.au has been jointly funded by the Australian Government and Council as part of the Skills Audit project. Employers are urged to list their jobs for free and share their stories of successful employment outcomes to [email protected].   To find the Cessnock City Skills Audit visit https://advancecessnock.com.au/cessnock-city-skills-audit/.

 12/9/2019