It can help employers tap on underutilised talent while also diversifying their workforce
A new online platform that aims to connect people with disability to employers has been launched in Western Australia in a bid to tap on the talent pool to resolve "serious workforce shortage" in the state.
In an announcement, the WA government said the Disability Jobs Connect "inverts" the job-seeking process where employers advertise vacant posts in their organisations.
Using the app, jobseekers can create their own profiles where they can highlight their skills, values, and interests. In addition, Disability Employment Services (DES) providers can also upload profiles of people with disability and support them through the job search process.
For employers, they can create their own profile within the platform where they can outline the skills, values, and types of talent that they need.
"Job seekers and employers can then search and 'filter' profiles and make requests to connect and explore employment opportunities," read the government announcement.
According to the state government, the application not only gets people with disability into work, but also assists employers in tapping on the underutilised talent pool and improve their workforce's diversity.
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The app's launch came as Disability Services Minister Don Punch acknowledged the "serious workforce shortage" in WA.
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"Western Australia currently has a serious workforce shortage and while many organisations are ready and willing to employ people with disability, they sometimes don't know where to start," said the minister in a statement.
"By simplifying the process of connecting employers with people with disability looking for work, the platform will increase employment opportunities for this previously underutilised talent pool to the benefit of employers and employees with disability alike."
The online platform was developed in partnership with local tech company Studium and was funded was by the state government through a $400,000 Lotterywest grant.
According to the government, the critical part of the platform's development was the co-design sessions held with people with disability and DES providers, which would ensure that the platform meets the needs of the jobseekers and employers.
The platform for people with disability follows similar online platforms also made by Studium for high school and university students, graduates and young people with work and education opportunities.