The Exchange: Connecting local business to the best local talent
Operating out of Cobblebank’s Western BACE business centre, The Exchange is a Lendlease initiative in partnership with Melton City Council, which provides residents and employers with free recruitment services and open access to employment and training opportunities.
The Exchange works with new and more established communities In Atherstone, Strathtulloh, Cobblebank and beyond, within the boundaries of the City of Melton.
The initiative has become a valuable resource for the local small-medium business community, allowing owners and management to focus on operational priorities, while letting The Exchange use their resources and local knowledge to build a shortlist of suitably qualified and motivated local jobseekers, that are ready to take on the next stage in their career journey.
By assisting local businesses and residents to find sustainable job outcomes while also linking residents to local training opportunities, The Exchange helps build the skills base within the City of Melton, with the potential to support diversity and growth for generations to come.
The Exchange first opened its doors at Western BACE in 2017, and since then has worked with many businesses and local residents to support their recruitment journey.
The Exchange is a unique service operating within Melton City Council, as they are available to offer assistance to any resident or business operating within the Local Government area, with no eligibility requirements apart from wanting to secure work or having genuine employment opportunities.
Exchange staff maintain a focus on supporting entry into employment for young people, priority job seekers, and people re-entering the workforce; as well as helping to connect local employers with our new residents, many of whom are highly skilled.
Exchange Program Co-ordinator Kristie Dawe said that through understanding an employer’s business and specific staffing requirements, The Exchange is able to refer appropriate candidates to meet their business needs.
“The Exchange is a service within the local community that is a one stop shop for recruitment needs,” she said.
“We work with local residents to identify their skills sets, provide linkages to skills development and training opportunities, and work with local businesses to understand their needs. We facilitate end to end servicing to provide successful outcomes for all.”
“We also understand that the world has changed over the last few years and have had to adapt to become a more digital service. By offering online support, we are able to open that assistance to a larger group of people, and ultimately help more people and businesses achieve their goals.”
She said The Exchange was motivated to grow local workforce development and resilience, prioritising local residents for available vacancies, while working in partnership with Council and the State government to advance social outcomes.
Vacancies, training opportunities and career advice are posted regularly through The Exchange’s social media platforms, so be sure to follow their Facebook page. You can also join their mailing list to receive job listings and updates by sending an email to theexchange@genu.org.au. You can also keep an eye on the Melton Jobs Hub for vacancies.