Recruiter tips for getting Aborigines into work
By Patricia Karvelas The Australian January 13, 2012
SIX of the nation's most successful recruiters of indigenous people say the only way to get Aboriginal people to stay in jobs is to give them the chance to test different roles out and find the right fit and warn that pre-employment training should prepare for work, not just for one niche role.
A new report commissioned by GenerationOne has revealed the companies ISS, Burswood, Crown Melbourne Ltd, Skill360 Australia, Karen Sheldon Catering and Woolworths are leading employers helping to break down the barriers to Indigenous employment by trying innovative approaches to get Aboriginal people to stay in work.
They say individuals need a support network if they are to stay employed, and companies need to involve families, provide mentors, build a sense of community and assign buddies.
The report using consulting firm Social Ventures Australia (SVA), gives insight into ways employers can break the cycle of Indigenous unemployment.
Some of the organisations interviewed found work "shadowing" to be a useful way to support progression into more senior roles - where a new indigenous worker was able to work alongside a buddy.
"We hope these stories capture what's working and highlight what needs to be done for more of these opportunities to be created," Michael Traill, CEO of SVA said.
The report says companies must ensure potential recruits are supported throughout so they do not fall through the cracks, suggesting companies need to be using a case-management approach.
Skill360 Australia employs apprentices and trainees. These apprentices and trainees are then placed with host employers to undertake their on-the-job training.
Zane McAlister, 25 is employed by Skill360 Australia as an Indigenous Field Officer. He first started with Skill360 Australia as an apprentice plumber back in 2003.
After completing his apprenticeship in 2007 he continued working as a plumber for local contractors in Cairns and eventually supervising the apprentices.
"This was the perfect position to fit with what I really wanted to do with mentoring youth and providing support to them as they complete their apprenticeship," he said.
"I applied for the position and was successful and have now been in the role for nearly three months. My role covers a huge geographical area up into the remote areas of the Cape and Torres Straits.
"I love being able to be a role model for both indigenous and non-indigenous youth and also promoting trade apprenticeships as a career path. Life is good."