Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has welcomed a new National Work Experience Programme to help North Coast job seekers gain valuable experience in workplaces. The programme aims to build the confidence and real-life work experience of job seekers and prepare them to meet the expectations of employers. “The National Work Experience Programme will give North Coast job seekers the opportunity to experience a placement in a work-like role so they can showcase their skills to a potential employer,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “This initiative offers employers who go on to keep an eligible young person in paid employment after their work experience placement, a wage subsidy of up to $6,500 over 12 months,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “For those who choose to join the programme, they will continue to receive their income support payment while in an unpaid placement, together with a supplement to assist with the costs of participation.” Eligible job seekers will be able to volunteer to undertake work experience in businesses for up to 25 hours per week for a maximum of four weeks. Employer surveys show that insufficient work experience prevents many job seekers, especially young job seekers, from getting and keeping a job. For more information contact a job-active provider by calling 13 62 68 or by using the search tool at: http://www.jobactive.gov.au/