WITH youth unemployment the hot topic as we approach the state election, under-employment has joined the list of issues for the Mallee’s young people.
A report released last month shows more than 15 per cent of young people in the labour market underemployed.
About 9.3 per cent of young people in the Mildura and Swan Hill region struggling to find full-time work.
For 26-year-old Swan Hill resident Thomas Kirby, it is a familiar story.
Currently studying a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management, Mr Kirby is on the look-out for a full-time job.
Employed part-time by Northern Central, he helps to research the cultural and physical effects of flooding in the Gunbower Forest.
Travelling to and from Bendigo to work between eight and 16 hours a week, he is hopeful it will lead to something more permanent.
“A few times I have applied for jobs — normal jobs, hands on labour stuff — but it’s hard to get something full time,” Mr Kirby said.
“Being Indigenous, they do work with you to open up opportunities for you, but it’s not always easy.
“I would like to be working more hours.”
