COVID-19 VIC: Business, Non-Profits, Individuals – Working for Victoria Fund

This program aims to help Victorian jobseekers find work and employers find workers, including people who have lost their jobs and businesses who need workers due to the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is part of the Victorian Government’s $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package.

Working for Victoria is investing across Victorian communities and sectors to create jobs and improve the skills of jobseekers. It has commissioned Sidekicker to deliver an online jobs platform which allows jobseekers to find work and access online training. It also helps employers find people ready to work with the skills and experience to meet their needs.

Jobseekers who register in the platform will receive job alerts that match their skills, experience and location. Jobs listed on the online platform are:
- Part-time and full-time roles.
- A mix of durations, but usually for three months or longer; some shorter-term seasonal roles are available.
- Paid at the award rate, or the site rate, whichever is higher.
- Across a range of industries, including outdoor work, community outreach, care giving, operating machinery, preparing food and working in agriculture and food production.

There is also free training to help them change or update their skills to work in areas that are now hiring. Tuition is free, but jobseekers may need to pay for materials and student services fees. Jobseekers can do a free:
- Short, online training unit in an industry where Victorian employers are looking for workers.
- TAFE course that leads to a recognised qualification in an industry where Victorian employers are likely to be looking for employees as the economy recovers.

Employers can use Working for Victoria to access a labour pool for new jobs and recruitment services, including jobs matching. In some cases, assistance may also be available to create new roles that help Victoria respond to coronavirus (COVID-19). They can register to advertise jobs to qualified workers on the online jobs platform. Jobs should be:
- Ideally for at least three months, but short-term seasonal roles may also be advertised.
- Paid at the award rate, or the site rate, whichever is higher.

A total funding pool of $500 million is available.

Please refer to the website for information on how to register to the program.

Eligible jobseekers must be:
- Legally able to work in Victoria.
- Unemployed or have recently experienced a significant reduction in income; this includes international students and those on student visas.