Partnering for youth employment

A NEW partnership is expected to improve job prospects for young people in Bendigo.

Bendigo Bank has teamed up with headspace Bendigo to build closer links between the bank’s recruitment team and headspace, with the aim of boosting opportunities when suitable vacancies are advertised.

The bank’s chief people officer, Louise Tebbutt, said the new arrangement would help provide more opportunities for 15-to25-year-olds in the region.

“At Bendigo Bank, we believe a diverse workforce supported by an inclusive culture is central to our success, and we actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity of thought to our business,” she said.

“We support candidate requests for adjustments to workplace arrangements to help accommodate an illness, injury or disability so they are able to participate in the selection process, and of course, if successful, in the workplace.

“This partnership with headspace Bendigo will foster conversations about positions we advertise and help ascertain whether a headspace Bendigo client has the necessary experience or help them get a better understanding of what the role requires and the pathways available to them.”

Clients of headspace with an interest in careers in banking will be able to tour workplaces, with visits to branches or the head office designed to provide an insight into what the job would be like.

Headspace work and study program vocational specialist Dean Cosgriff thanked the bank for its support.

“Our job at headspace Bendigo is all about supporting young people in Bendigo between the age of 15 to 25 with their vocational goals,” Mr Cosgriff said.

“This includes interview preparation, job applications and to help them connect with employers in Bendigo.

“The people we help are referred by their mental health practitioner and can still be studying at school or at university.

“As one of the largest employers in Bendigo, it’s incredible to have Bendigo Bank partner with us to open employment pathways for our young people.”

Information about bank recruitment and headspace services can be found on the organisations’ respective websites.