Activ Foundation’s RTO, Activ Pathways, is helping to fast-track migrant jobseekers into employment opportunities in the disability sector via their new Pathway to Employment program, in partnership with the Multicultural Services Centre (MSC).
The pilot program – which is completely free – offers a training solution to provide migrants with entry-level skills needed to apply for work in the care industry, with the hope that it will assist in staffing that is much-needed in the disability sector. Pathways delivers the condensed two-week course of blended classroom and on-the-job training in partnership with MSC, providing students with educational support and work placement at an Activ site.
The classroom lessons are delivered by trainers with extensive industry familiarity, as well as expertise in teaching students where English is their second language. Students then shadow experienced workers in Activ workplaces to see how their classroom training applies in the real world and get a feel of what employment would be like in the sector.
Activ Foundation CEO Michael Heath says the initiative has seen a promising start.
“We’ve seen 21 graduates so far, with more to come. Pathway to Employment from Activ and the Multicultural Services Centre is delivering benefits to everyone. We are helping migrants to access a promising and purposeful career in Australia while going some way to alleviate the chronic skills shortage pressures facing the disability sector right now.
“As one of Western Australia’s largest disability service providers, we are able to offer many varied and fulfilling career opportunities to those looking to make a difference to the lives of Western Australians living with disability.”
“This program has been a great example of cross sector collaboration – amazing support and commitment by MSC who are passionate to provide migrants opportunities to set up their lives in Australia and NDS who connect thousands of providers who support people with disability.
“Activ are proud to partner with the MSC to provide this program and we can’t wait to see its ongoing impact.”
Successful graduates gain three accredited units of competency, which count towards further education such as a traineeship, or the Certificate III in Individual Support – which is currently completely free as the part of the State Government’s Free In ’23 initiative.
Three programs have already been completed in April, May, and July at MSC Jobs & Skills Mirrabooka, with another scheduled for August at MSC Jobs & Skills Cannington. A graduation ceremony attended by Activ, MSC and NDS was held on 7 June where students from the first two groups were presented with their Statement of Attainment for the skill set certificate and celebrated sharing an array of cultural cuisines.
Multicultural Services Centre CEO Ramdas Sankaran said, “MSC is pleased to partner with Activ on the Pathway to Employment program.”
“The people this program supports often come to our country during the most vulnerable state of their lives,” he said. “The Pathways to Employment program in partnership with Activ helps to provide a firm foundation on which to build their new lives and we look forward to ongoing support from Activ to achieve this.”
Pathways have also worked with MSC to add a Multicultural Awareness training session to the program to assist migrant students with community integration. This helps them adapt to work in a new culture and engage with colleagues and clients, which in turn aids retention.
Prospective students attend an information session with Pathways and MSC before the program begins, giving them the opportunity to learn more about course details and employment in the care industry. From there, they are supported throughout the enrolment process including filling out application forms, providing ID documents, and LLN (Language, Literacy & Numeracy assessment) to gauge any additional support they may need during the program.