In continuing efforts to support the employment ecosystem in the Northern Rivers, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers has launched the next evolution of a locally focused jobs platform. Jobs Northern Rivers is an initiative to support employers to connect with jobseekers.
RDA Northern Rivers has partnered with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation, Healthy North Coast and Training Services NSW to bring a new, improved employment experience for Northern Rivers employers and jobseekers.
Since July 2020, the regional jobs platform initiative has achieved some key outcomes in engagement with the Northern Rivers employment market. This market included a range of jobseekers (such as school leavers, youth, displaced workers), employers in many industries (including agribusiness, primary health care, manufacturing, hospitality, and construction) and training service providers (including community colleges, registered training organisations and employment service providers).
Keeping what worked & finding ways to improve
Consistent feedback told us that our community embraced the initiative. They were extremely grateful for the regional/local focus and the fact that the service is free. When it came to what users would like to see improved there were several issues identified. Jobseekers wanted to see more vacancies listed. Employers found it time-consuming to list jobs they had already posted on other platforms. Employers were also keen reach out to jobseekers and be proactive about filling their job vacancies, but didn’t have a way to do that within the platform.
Jobs Northern Rivers continues to provide a local focus while creating an improved experience for employers and jobseekers.
This initiative is about supporting the local economy through employment, so we have sought to improve the platform to offer more. The new platform includes resources and information about recruitment, employer profiles and service provider profiles. This is a digital community that is focused on what’s available in our region. Opportunities on Jobs Northern Rivers covers the areas of Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, and the Tweed Shire.
More job vacancies for jobseekers
The technology underpinning Jobs Northern Rivers is what’s known as a jobs aggregator. Employers and HR departments everywhere are flat-out posting their job advertisements. Our platform is a chance to filter out jobs that are not relevant to the area and automate the display of these vacancies without extra effort from our employers. This means more jobs drawn from across the web into our own digital employment community.
Employers can still register with the platform and post jobs directly. Registered employers have the additional functionality of being able to search resumes in the system and reach out to people who may be suitable applicants.
Jobs Northern Rivers is a free service
In a world of “pay-to-play” platforms, it is difficult to find services that are focused on improving community outcomes for no cost. Our aim is to continue to support the community with this service while keeping it free
- for employers to post jobs, search resumes, shortlist talent pools and promote their businesses and
- for jobseekers to search jobs, upload/update their searchable resumes and shortlist jobs. They can also keep up to date with services and opportunities for training and employment support.
Phase 1 delivered – ready for phase 2
The platform has a lot of useful and exciting functionality that will support our employers and jobseekers. The May release is just the first phase providing the automated jobs feed. The second phase will be delivered by the end of June and will allow:
- employers to showcase their business, search resumes and create talent pools,
- service providers to promote their services and training,
- job seekers to research employer profiles, shortlist jobs and research trending industries.
You can download our Media Release here.
