Head north message appears to be catching

According to Chris Young, chief executive of the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce, at any time there are up to 2000 unfilled jobs in the territory. That message was spelt out at NT Jobs Shows in Newcastle and Adelaide in July.

They showcased current jobs submitted by NT employers. “Early feedback is encouraging,” says executive director with the NT Department of the Chief Minister, Brian O'Gallagher.

The shows are part of the department's Skilled Worker campaign, which was launched in 2005 with the aim of raising awareness of territory job opportunities with potential employees.

For the shows, 210 NT employers submitted 478 vacancies for display across 14 sectors. Newcastle's attracted 270 locals while 400 attended the Adelaide show.

Attendees registered their contact details, skills and qualifications, preferred industry sectors and timeframe for moving to the NT.

O'Gallagher reports that almost 600 candidates have been added to the potential employee database, which will be made available to all NT businesses.

“A number of participating businesses have proactively communicated their thanks and shared stories of workers on their way to the Territory to start their new positions,” he says.

The 2008 campaign includes national consumer magazine advertising, metropolitan press ads, a free Power Water connection voucher for workers on arrival, an online portal www.theterritory.com.a u and 1800 006 282 hotline. O'Gallagher says results will be fully evaluated later this year.