atWork Australia is pleased to announce the launch of its new Indigenous Employment Services (IES) team, dedicated to closing the gap on Indigenous employment outcomes. Based in Perth, the team works closely with employers to develop tailored pre-employment training programs to meet their workforce needs, as well as offering bespoke, culturally aware service delivery for Indigenous Australians looking for work.
Michael Kolomyjec, atWork Australia’s Group Executive said, “As one of Western Australia’s first Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTECs) in 2014, we are pleased to continue the success of the VTEC model with the formation of a specialised team to deliver culturally appropriate, evidence-based employment services for Indigenous Australians.
“Over the last six years we have supported more than 330 Indigenous Australians into work via the VTEC program, and over 2,200 Indigenous Australians into education or employment across our complementary contracts.
“Our strong track record in Indigenous employment is due, in part, to the lasting relationships we have established with employers over the years. We work with organisations that are similarly committed to closing the gap for Indigenous Australians; organisations that actively collaborate with employment services providers to improve job and industry-specific training and provide employment pathways with sustainable outcomes. One of our most successful employer relationships is with Sodexo, one of the first organisations in Australia to introduce a training program that gives Indigenous candidates a formal qualification as well as guaranteed employment,” Mr. Kolomyjec said.
atWork Australia’s new IES team, which has 65% Indigenous staff, is pleased to be able to deliver services to employers and Indigenous jobactive clients across Perth’s metro area.
“Partnering with employers and industry, and delivering a holistic, culturally aware employment program is one way we can work together to address Indigenous employment disadvantage and build a better future for all Australians,” Mr Kolomyjec said.
About Indigenous Employment Services
atWork Australia delivers Indigenous Employment Services as part of the Australian Government’s jobactive program. A no-cost service for employers, jobactive offers a recruitment solution for any sized business across many different industries, while ensuring a holistic, client-centred service for Australians seeking employment.
atWork Australia’s successful employer partnerships and excellence in Indigenous employment has been recognised multiple times in the National Employment Services Association (NESA) awards. In 2019, atWork Australia was one of a handful of organisations consulted for an OECD report into Indigenous employment best-practice. The report highlighted the success of atWork Australia’s approach, and the findings have gone on to have implications for employment policy and practice around the world.
For more information about working with atWork Australia to help close the gap on Indigenous employment, contact us on 1300 086 856.