Jobs boost

By Lia Bichel
LOCAL jobs are set to soar and retail to boom when the construction of Westfield Fountain Gate is completed this year.
Westfield has teamed up with an employment service to up-skill disadvantaged job seekers and introduce them to the most appropriate retail tenants and employers in the centre.
There will be more than 800 jobs up for grabs when the $320m redevelopment is completed later this year, making it the second largest mall in Australia, next to Chadstone. It will feature a Myer, JB Hi Fi and 114 new specialty stores.
The first stage, featuring a fresh food, casual dining and kids’ fashion precinct will be launched in May.
Westfield Fountain Gate centre manager Tim Broxham said he was excited about the Retail Ready Program, launched in conjunction with employment services agency PVS Workfind.
“The Retail Ready Program is part of our commitment to ensuring the new Westfield Fountain Gate stays at the heart of the local community,” Mr Broxham said.
The program was developed in consultation with City of Casey, the Australian Retailers Association, Chisholm Institute and community service providers, Learn Local and Hampton Park Community Renewal, and funding has been provided by the Federal Government.
“The strong involvement from key community and specialty partners will ensure the program provides the best training and opportunities for those who have difficulty in finding employment,” Mr Broxham said.
“It will be offered as a free service to both job seekers and employers and be independent or integrated with an organisation’s current recruitment activities.”
Mr Broxham said there would be many more announcements regarding the centre’s redevelopment in the coming months, including which new stores will trade.
“There are a lot of exciting brands on the horizon,” Mr Broxham said.
Businesses and organisations that wish to access the Ready Retail Program can contact program co-ordinator Tony Lie on 0478 407 820.