Peel region has the highest unemployment rate in the state with youths in Murray and Waroona being forced to leave the area in search of work.
The findings were identified after a community consultation session was conducted by the Shire of Murray Youth Strategy committee.
The lack of employment opportunities prompted a business networking event on Monday morning at the Pinjarra Multipurpose Community Facility.
The event also marked new Murray shire president Maree Reid’s first public appearance in the community since her election.
Ms Reid said the Peel region’s unemployment rate was around 11.5 per cent higher than other region’s in Western Australia.
“Youth unemployment in the Murray and Waroona district is substantially higher again; young people who reside here may be forced to move outside the region to search for employment,” she said.
Ms Reid said another concern was the barriers to gaining local employment and the lack of connections between young people and local businesses.
“Did you know the Peel region has one of the lowest uptakes of apprenticeships and traineeships for young people comparative to the rest of the state?,” she said.
“We also found young people want to gain work experience and attain part time work.”
Career Enterprise Centre student Nadene Calso finishes school this year and said she had found it difficult finding a job.
“I enjoy sport and keeping active so my dream job would be a tennis coach but I’m at the breakfast this morning to try and find any job,” she said.
Fairbridge WA Inc. chief Mark Anderson presented at the breakfast and said 40 per cent of Fairbridge employees came from long-term unemployment backgrounds.
Mr Anderson said his passion was enabling young people to reach their full potential through bringing about positive, sustainable life and employment outcomes.
The free breakfast welcomed new local business to the community and engaged with existing business.
The Youth Strategy committee hopes to run the breakfast next year.
