The AEC provides leadership, raises awareness and facilitates the collaborative efforts of industry in securing sustainable jobs. We also provide support to all stakeholders throughout this process, enabling them to meet their obligations under the Covenant. This includes encouraging the commitment by Australian employers to employ Indigenous workers; working with the Indigenous communities to strongly encourage participation in the AEC; providing support and information to AEC employers, workplace buddies, training providers and employment service providers as well as advertising job vacancies for Indigenous jobseekers on our Jobs Board.

Through the combined experience and actual case studies of AEC employers, we can also advise the Government on ways to remove barriers to sustainable employment for Indigenous Australians. The AEC can also provide a network of patrons, ambassadors and champions to support and encourage participation in the AEC program.

Covenants are agreements between parties – for example, between an employer and the AEC – which detail each party's commitment, roles and responsibilities. Our Covenant outlines what employers are committed to, what the AEC will do, what the Government will do to assist and what workplace buddies and the employees themselves undertake to do.

Everyone wins with sustainable employment, Employers, Indigenous Australians and our nation. While the facts of Indigenous disparity are well known, employing an Indigenous Australian is not about charity. We only ask employers to provide jobs that are required to meet their organisational objectives.

Partnering with the AEC provides you with access to an on-line industry network, which aims to share experiences and case studies in the field of Indigenous employment, training and mentoring. Think of it as having access to additional tools and learning materials which can assist you in your recruiting and retention outcomes.

As an AEC Employer, you will be joining the growing number of Australian businesses investing in Indigenous employment, and ensuring that we will be the generation to change Indigenous disparity, for good. With the support of the AEC and an industry network, your challenges involving Indigenous employment will be rewarded.

As an AEC employer you agree to guarantee a specified number of sustainable jobs for Indigenous job seekers who complete training, both pre employment and job specific, in accordance with your requirements.

Remember, these are real, sustainable jobs based on your workforce requirements for employment - when and where you need them.

We can assist you in meeting your Indigenous recruitment objective by providing information on Government funding options, hosting Employer Support Workshops, Covenant Action Planning and ongoing support platforms.

Once you have signed the Covenant, we will work closely with you to formulate your Covenant Activation Plan (CAP). This will assist in detailing the type and location of the roles, the estimated timeframes of the vacancies and your specific pre employment and job specific training requirements. These roles can then be advertised to employment and training providers, who can work with you to prepare suitable Indigenous candidates for your employment requirements.

The Australian Government engages and monitors Employment Services Providers to attract and support Indigenous job seekers in the pre-employment process. Registered Training Organisations are also utilised to conduct your specific training and job placement requirements.

The AEC team includes Government employees from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) so that AEC employers can directly access information on the support that the Government can provide.

We applaud your leadership! Many industries, companies and individuals have already implemented Reconciliation Action Plans, Indigenous Employment Strategies or other models to support their recruitment, training and retention of Indigenous employees.

Signing a Covenant won't change your processes, or alter any funding agreement you might have in place. What it will do is strengthen the collaborative efforts of industry towards this shared challenge. This allows us to collate recommendations to Government to initiate change and assists in sharing successful models of Indigenous training, recruitment and retention with other Australian employers. It can also present opportunities for employers to improve or value-add to current practices.

Being a workplace buddy is rewarding for the buddy and the Indigenous employee. Anyone, Indigenous or non Indigenous, can be a workplace buddy. It is a critical role to help somebody turn a job placement into a real, sustainable job and you really can help transform somebody's life. As a workplace buddy you are responsible for providing ongoing support and guidance to your fellow Indigenous partner to face and overcome the challenges of keeping a permanent job, particularly after long periods of unemployment. This includes promoting workplace culture and practices that are supportive of the recruitment, retention and development of Indigenous employees and developing a relationship of trust and confidence with your Indigenous partner by learning, listening and communicating. Above all, it's about being a friend.

At the AEC, we provide educational material and support networks, facilitate workshops, and offer general advice or assistance for Workplace Mentors.

Yes, of course. After identifying an industry or job opportunity, Indigenous job seekers must complete the required job training to the best of their abilities, commit to stay in employment and to perform their job to the very best of their abilities. The AEC asks job seekers to accept the support and guidance of workplace buddies to face and overcome the challenges of keeping a permanent job. Many find that they too become workplace buddies, assisting other employees integrate into employment.

Speak with your AEC representative or view our contacts at www.fiftythousandjobs.org.au/public/about/contact-aec.aspx. It is important that we work as a team to initiate your involvement in the Australian Employment Covenant. We can be involved throughout the process as much or as little as you feel is necessary.