Mission Australia
Transform
Or call 1800 88 88 68
Donate via PayPal
A fresh approach in the mission to enable refugee and migrants to gain sustainable employment |
 |
 |
 |
| 29 Jun 2009 |
 Young migrants and refugees often don’t have the same opportunities as other Australians when entering the workforce due to financial, cultural and educational barriers.Mission Australia’s ‘Getting to Work’ program in the City of Greater Dandenong aims to change that by offering these young people the opportunity to overcome their barriers and the chance to get a job with local employers. Importantly, this unique and holistic program has been developed with the Victorian Government’s Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD), local business and local youth and employment providers in Dandenong and follows thorough consultation with local young people... Program participants will graduate on Monday 29 June at a ceremony in Noble Park. ‘Getting to Work’ assists young people to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and experience, providing a pathway to employment and the opportunity to control a secure future. It is a three month program which includes accredited training, work experience, mentoring, traineeship placement and ongoing personal support. Mission Australia State Director Paul Bird said it was important that Victorians understood the importance of supporting newly arrived migrants and refugees into employment. “‘Getting to Work’ focuses on improving the life, learning and employability skills of young migrants and refugees,” said Mr Bird. “The program is in line with the State Government’s aims of providing real employment outcomes for marginalised Victorians. This semester’s intake is completing accredited training in the form of a Certificate II in Business Administration, First Aid and Food Safety as well as undertaking two weeks’ work experience at a local businesses. “One of the benefits is that the program offers a qualification at its completion,” said Mr Bird. “It also can be a catalyst for transforming participants’ lives over a very short period of time..” Mission Australia’s commitment doesn’t stop when students move on from the program into a job. Post-program support is provided for up to three months to ensure the impact of social issues is minimised and employment outcomes are met. Mr Bird said that this support was important as in some instances young people were dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and mental health issues – impediments they could do without when looking for work. “Mission Australia’s commitment to the disadvantaged and disengaged of society will continue long into the future,” Mr Bird said. “Through this program we aim to ensure young people in the City of Greater Dandenong have the opportunity to reach their potential.” Mission Australia’s ‘Getting to Work’ program is proudly supported by DIIRD and the City of Greater Dandenong, with funding by Group Property Trust (GPT), the Felton Bequest Committee, the Bennelong Foundation and the Jack Brockhoff Foundation. Media enquiries: Phil Smith: (03) 8317 0111 or 0407 860 528. Available for media interviews and photographs:
Event Information:
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
News Updates
| ABC Learning centres purchase – a ‘once in a generation’ opportunityTuesday, 16 February 2010A new chapter in the early learning and support of Australia’s children began late last year with the purchase of 678 ABC Learning childcare centres by four of the country’s most respected charities, including Mission Australia.The centres were purchased by GoodStart – a not-for-profit company established by Mission... + Read Full Story |
State and Territory governments must set targets to reduce numbers of young people in detentionWednesday, 24 February 2010One of Australia's leading providers of services to disadvantaged young people has called on state and territory governments to set targets to reduce the number of juveniles in custody and increase alternative justice or 'diversionary' programs to achieve their aims. On the eve of the National Juvenile Justice Summit in Melbourne (Thurs-Fri,... + Read Full Story | More News Articles | ||