FIVE hundred former Mitsubishi workers have secured new jobs within six months of the company’s South Australian plant being shut down.
State Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Paul Caica, says of the 699 workers who left Mitsubishi when the Tonsley Park closure was announced, 500 have now found new jobs.
“More than 70% have found new employment, which is testament to the collaborative partnership and strong commitment put in place for the Mitsubishi workers by their employer, as well as the State and Australian governments and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU),” Caica said.
Minister Caica made the announcement while visiting the Cavpower Alliance Project for retrenched Mitsubishi and Electrolux workers at TAFE SA’s O’Halloran Hill campus.
“In the past six months, the transition phase has continued to provide services such as job search skills and techniques, career counselling, case management, employment brokerage, recognition of prior learning and current competencies, training and licensing,” he explained.
“Mitsubishi workers have taken up positions as boilermakers, welders, electricians, labourers and process workers, metal fitters and machinists, motor mechanics, production managers, security officers and guards, storepersons, heavy vehicle drivers, and in construction and health and community services.
“Of these workers, more than 440 accessed the joint Australian and South Australian governments’ Mitsubishi Assistance package through the Job Network, 18 Skills in Demand projects and individually tailored assistance.
“The remaining 57 workers were surveyed by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and secured employment through their own efforts.”
The Cavpower Training Alliance Project is currently seeing 35 former Mitsubishi and Electrolux workers training for accelerated adult apprenticeships for the mining industry.
The apprenticeship program has received funding under the State and Australian governments’ Mitsubishi support package to recruit, select and induct the retrenched workers.
Minister Caica says the accelerated program of training, which includes training at TAFE SA and on-the-job training with host employers, has recognised the workers’ existing skills from the automotive and manufacturing industries.
“The program will see participants complete a Certificate III in Automotive — Mechanical Technical (specialising in Heavy Vehicle Mobile Equipment) within half the time of a standard apprenticeship,” he said.