VTEC and Employers Work Together for Indigenous Job Seekers

A drive to secure employment for Indigenous job seekers has resulted in 15 jobs found in Western Australia

15 Indigenous Australian job seekers are now successfully employed thanks to last week’s MAX Employment Northam VTEC Recruitment Day.

On Thursday May 14, organisations including Morris Corp, the Muresk Institute, Avon Youth, WA Department of Agriculture & Food, Regional and Perth Home Care Services, and Virgin Australia offered VTEC participants positions and interviews within their respective sectors.

VTEC programs connect Indigenous job seekers with jobs and support participants for sustainable employment, with a key program feature being a guaranteed job before job-specific training.

VTEC Manager Paul Buswell said the event was a huge win for both employers and Indigenous job seekers in the region.

“There is clearly a mood for change – a movement for organisations that understand we cannot close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians unless there is sufficient support,” he said.

The day commenced with a traditional Maori Karakia Prayer and a Welcome to Country ceremony performed by local Indigenous traditional land owners. 

Special guests GenerationOne and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet also made presentations before interviewing and networking commenced.

“We were lucky enough to have our WEX Express bus pick up our Merredin, Kellerberrin and Tammin job seekers and provide them with the opportunity to meet employers in the region as well.”

The event resulted in 15 Indigenous Australian job seekers securing employment and dozens of follow-up interviews being conducted over the coming weeks.

MAX Employment VTEC would like to acknowledge the following employers for participating in the event: Morris Corp, Muresk Institute, Avon Youth and Community Services, Life Without Barriers, Regional and Perth Home Care Services, and the WA Department of Agriculture & Food.

Image caption: Recruitment drive: Matthew O'Sullivan (Generation One), Paea Ruka (Regional Manager MAX Employment), Cerah Pomana (VTEC Mentor), Tracey Councillor (Morris Corp), Holly Dixon (Morris Corp), Sonia Nightingale (MAX Solutions), Prue Jenkins (CEO Muresk Institute), Nicki Dyson (Area Manager Regional Home Care Services), Russell Carling (Business Manager MAX Employment), Paul Buswell (VTEC manager) and Julie Roche (RSU Government of WA Department of Agriculture and Food).