For the past year, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) has been responsible for huge fluctuations in the workforce, with retrenchments and business closures all across the world. As with any economic slowdown, the impacts have differed depending on where you live - and what you do for a living.

In Western Australia - the heart of the resources boom - the closure of the Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine (1,800 jobs lost) on the south coast and the loss of jobs at Harvey Beef (160 Jobs) have contributed to higher localised unemployment.

But could there be a silver lining to the GFC, career-wise? Could it even provide space for individuals to reassess career goals and provide space to take a sideways step into a more ethical job?

The Western Australia Council of Social Service (WACOSS) is one organisation taking an innovative approach to the GFC. WACOSS' Jobseekers2Communities program - established with funding from the Commonwealth Government's Jobs Fund - is aiming to help 38 recently re-trenched workers make a new start in the community sector.

If you know someone from the Southern suburbs of Perth who'd like to make a transition to the not-for profit sector, Jobseekers2Communities Project could be a valuable first step into employment in an ethical sector.

The program is currently recruiting and is looking for eligible applicants. The first round of applications close at 5pm on 18th December 2009.

Click here for more information about applying.

To read the Jobseekers2Communities project brief and business plan click here.