A Wagga woman knows all too well how daunting it can be applying for jobs but said finding a workplace she is supported in has been a "saving grace".
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Emma Silinzieds's comments come as new data identifies the Riverina as one of the key areas with significant increases in vacancies.
But the disability recruitment specialist Job Centre Australia (JCAL) said there is a workforce that employers can tap into.
The organisation released data showing that 45 per cent of currently available roles in the Riverina are in hospitality.
While 20 per cent in support work, 20 per cent in cleaning, 10 per cent in agri-sales and roles also available in retail, transport, administration and Trades.
Ms Silinzieds is just one person who JCAL has supported in finding a career during the pandemic.
She is now a hospitality assistant at Wagga's Uneke Lounge, a role she has been in for nine months.
"I do a bit of everything," Ms Silinzieds said.
"I do the storeroom at first and unpack all the stock, and then I will do a bit of sweeping, then I will come out to the front and start on the dishes. Just whatever needs doing, I get done."
Living with an intellectual disability and anxiety, Ms Silinzieds said it made all the difference having the support to build on her skills, confidence and employability as she works towards her goals.
She said her career at Uneke had been her saving grace. It has dramatically helped her improve her confidence and social skills, decrease her anxiety levels and live an independent lifestyle.
"JCAL has been amazing and helped me get my foot in the door and get out of the house," Ms Silinzieds said. "It can be really daunting to apply for things, so they have been a great help to me."
Nicole Fava, a relationship consultant at the Wagga branch of JCAL, said they proactively work with local accredited training providers to help upskill their candidates.
She believes the gap between finding candidates and fulfilling these employment opportunities could be because they think they don't have the right skills but added a solution.
"The JCAL Wagga team is passionate about bridging the gap between job vacancies and candidates," Ms Fava said.
"Having provided inclusive employment solutions to the Wagga and the surrounding region for over 30 years, we have a well-developed understanding of the economy and growth opportunities for this region.
"Making our region prosper is the outcome we want to achieve for our candidates and employers."
JCAL CEO Deborah Lambourne said a holistic, person-centred approach means they can provide meaningful career opportunities that mutually benefit both our candidate and the employer.
"Candidates experiencing mental health, living with disability, injury or other health condition, should not feel they have to work toward their goals alone," she said.
"No matter where they may be on their career journey, we can work with them on career progression pathways and offer ongoing support to achieve a meaningful, long-term career."
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