New students at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie are signing up in their hundreds to attend job ready workshops.
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The workshops are a result of the university understanding finances are a big issues for new students and the Earn as you Learn program hopes to connect new potential employees with local employers.
Clara Koch is the program coordinator and said in 2020 students were very keen to sign up.
"On Tuesday (February 25) we had more than 150 students sign up to the program and we have already run one session on February 20 for students," Ms Koch said.
"The program is aimed at new students coming to the area and that generally is students who have just finished university and those, particularly our international students, who are coming to Australia to study with us to further their study."
Around 735 on-campus students have been accepted to begin studies at the Port Macquarie campus this year which is an increase of over 100 students for 2020.
There is also a waiting list for students wishing to live on campus.
"For those who have just finished high school some do not have many skills which employers require and so we have partnered with the Mid North Coast Community College so we can help them obtain first aid certificates and Responsible Service of Alcohol qualifications," she said.
"For our international students many are studying their masters or had careers before deciding to study so have lots of skills but lack local connections.
"So the program helps students gain skills but we have also hosted a networking session where 10 local businesses came and spoke to students about what they look for in employees."
Ms Koch also said that they were looking for local businesses to come on board to help with making local connections for students.
"We are delighted that 10 local businesses have already come on board but are certainly looking for more.
"Our students who have come straight from school are keen to get into the job market while our mature aged students have a wealth of skills and want to contribute to the local community while they are living in Port Macquarie."
For more information email earnasyoulearn@csu.edu.au.
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