Twelve months ago today, BEST opened the doors to its new home, the Southeast Training and Jobs Hub in collaboration with State and Federal Governments and The Sorell Council (as building owner) with a vision of creating a welcoming space where people, businesses and opportunities could come together.
Since then, 3,270 people have walked through the Southeast Training and Jobs Hub doors.
They have included students accessing the Study Hub, community members looking for employment or training, employers searching for staff, and small business owners seeking advice and support. Each person arriving with their own goals, challenges and aspirations, each visit representing an opportunity to build a stronger future for our community.
Over the past year, our new premises have evolved into much more than just a larger (and more modern) office. They have become a community hub where people connect with employment opportunities, develop new skills, access training, receive support and build confidence to take their next step (whatever that step might be). BEST continues to deliver employment, training and business services across Southeast Tasmania, working alongside individuals, employers and communities to create positive local outcomes.
The impact of this work can be seen across the region. During the past financial year, 403 new community members registered with BEST, while 38 local training courses were delivered to support local workforce development and skill building. A total of 404 training commencements and 373 training completions were achieved, resulting in an impressive 92.3 per cent completion rate.
Our commitment to the region extends beyond the programs and services we provide. Wherever possible, BEST chooses to support local suppliers and businesses. Over the past two years, we have financially invested in 57 local businesses, returning $442k + to the Southeast Tasmanian economy through local purchasing and partnerships.
These figures tell an important story, but they are only part of the picture.
Behind every registration is a person seeking new opportunities. Behind every training completion is someone building skills and confidence. Behind every employer partnership is a business finding the people it needs to grow. And behind every community connection is a stronger, more resilient Southeast Tasmania.
As we celebrate our first year in the Southeast Training and Jobs Hub, we are proud of what has been achieved alongside our community. We thank every student, community member, employer, business owner, partner and supporter who has been part of the journey so far. Together, we have created thousands of connections, supported hundreds of local people and invested significantly in our regional economy. Most importantly, we have continued to demonstrate the power of local people supporting local people.