Job fair takes off at Melbourne Airport

Delaware North Operations Manager Nicole Child talking with client Henry Chan (Damjan Janevski). 335676_01

Zoe Moffatt

Melbourne Airport held its job fair on May 18, with thousands of residents across Victoria attending to learn about the businesses and positions on offer.

With more than 40 airport-based businesses on the lookout for staff, approximately 1500 job seekers flooded to the airport with their sights set on employment in customer service, cabin crew, transport, security, hospitality and retail.

Nikki Ala lives in Bacchus Marsh and attended the job fair with her father, who is also on the hunt for work.

“I worked in the ground crew at the Avalon Airshow … [and] I’m training to be a commercial pilot,” Ms Ala said.

“I’m looking to expand my aviation career.”

Not-for-profit organisation Settlement Services International (SSI) attended the event to gather information and job opportunities for refugees.

SSI employment solutions officer Frank Genel said he found the fair helpful.

“I am here to listen to the employers and wherever they need help … and ask all the right questions,” Mr Genel said.

“I will take all this information to the office and find the right employees for them and the right services.

“We have clients in the west and the north [of Melbourne] as well … [with experience in] food handling, packaging [for example].”

Two siblings from the northern suburbs attended the job fair together to see what positions were available.

Hirdesh Chand said he recently finished his degree, while his sister Shiveshni Chand said she was looking for part-time work while she completed her studies.

“I just finished a bachelor of space science [and] I want to see what’s out there,” Mr Chand said.

“[I want to] find opportunities and see where I want to land,” he said.

Craigieburn local Tristen Kaman also came to the job fair with his father and said the airport was in a convenient location from his house.

“[I am] looking for a career change and … Dad dragged me along,” Mr Kaman said.

“I’m open to anything … [and] there’s lots of different opportunities here.”

As the second largest employment precinct in the state, Melbourne Airport lists ongoing jobs on its joblink website.

Details: bit.ly/3MiVsCd