Action for employment helping Indigenous Australians into work

A4e empowers Indigenous job seekers

A4e (Action for Employment), one of Australia’s leading providers of Indigenous employment services welcomed 15 graduates from an ‘Empowering Our Mob’ preparation course in Tamworth last Friday.

The ‘Empowering Our Mob’ program is an innovative Indigenous work preparation program specifically designed for Indigenous job seekers, to help them develop the necessary skills to find independent, quality and sustainable employment. The initiative is provided by A4e, as a Job Services Australia provider, funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

Empowering Our Mob is now in its third and final pilot run. The course has a success rate of more than 50 per cent with most graduates going on to further their education with traineeships to different employment opportunities ranging from casual to full-time jobs. They have also gained financial confidence to support their families and wider community.

In the week-long program participants create an updated resume, develop interview skills and an understanding of how to apply for their preferred jobs and how to communicate effectively with employers. Participants are also provided with motivational training to help them identify and overcome barriers to employment.

Emma Miller, Julia Davitt, Stephanie Elsley, Kevin Anderson (local MP) and Clifford Barden

Peter Adams, A4e Australia’s Business Development Manager for Indigenous employment, is confident the program will help all of the graduates to eventually secure sustainable jobs, allowing them to give back to the community.

“At A4e we are focused on closing the gap between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians, and showing the Indigenous community that wanted and relevant help is available for them to not only improve their employability, but also enhance their participation in their communities,” Peter said.

“I am proud to be a part of this program, and I am looking forward to seeing these strong, motivated Aboriginal people graduate on Friday with a renewed spirit and motivation.”

A4e job coach, Shirley Kirk, said Indigenous job seekers from past programs have provided positive feedback, saying the A4e trainers understood their backgrounds and social issues.

“Seeing job seekers enjoying themselves whilst learning new skills is very exciting, knowing this will be improving people’s lives in a variety of ways, both vocationally and in the wider community.”

Last week the graduates were congratulated by local Tamworth MP, Kevin Anderson, representatives from The Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Centrelink, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and several large, local employers.

“I am proud to be a part of this program, and I am looking forward to seeing these strong, motivated Aboriginal people graduate on Friday with a renewed spirit and motivation.”

A4e job coach, Shirley Kirk, said Indigenous job seekers from past programs have provided positive feedback, saying the A4e trainers understood their backgrounds and social issues.

“Seeing job seekers enjoying themselves whilst learning new skills is very exciting, knowing this will be improving people’s lives in a variety of ways, both vocationally and in the wider community.”

Last week the graduates were congratulated by local Tamworth MP, Kevin Anderson, representatives from The Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Centrelink, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and several large, local employers.

Find out more about Action for Employment here: http://www.mya4e.com/

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