The community sector is projected to grow 14 per cent by 2026 – and the newly developed ACT Community Sector Careers Gateway aims to draw new people to this growing sector and retain current workers.
Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Skills, and Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health, launched the Gateway at CIT Bruce today.
Jeremy Halcrow, chair of the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS), said: “The community sector is one of the fastest growing workforces in Australia. Our sector is a purpose-driven and unique place to work. We know that opportunities in the community sector are also becoming more diverse as our population changes and the need for our services increases.
“Our vision is to increase knowledge and awareness of how rewarding careers in the sector are, and as such, our tagline states: ‘Be the Difference’.”
Dr Gemma Killen, ACTCOSS’s interim CEO, said the Gateway showcased the personal and professional benefits of working in community organisations, and the wide variety of roles available.
“The sector is full of passionate, values-driven people,” Dr Killen said. “Some have been working here for years; others have made the change either mid or late into their working life, having previously worked in the public service, private sector, or academia.
“Our objectives are to bring in new people who haven’t thought of working in our sector; to keep those who are currently working with us, and to show everyone the variety of roles available if you want a career in the community sector.
“We hope the ACT Community Sector Careers Gateway will be one avenue through which to bring more people into our amazing sector.”
The Gateway was funded by the Federal Government National Careers Institute.
Brendan O’Connor MP, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, said: “With the projected growth of the community sector workforce, we must focus on attracting workers to our community organisations.
“The ACT Community Sector Careers Gateway is an excellent starting point to learn about the exciting opportunities available to people who want to make a difference in their work every day.”
