Indigenous Employment
Sarina Russo Job Access provides Indigenous Australians with training, recruitment and mentoring services which go beyond a mere job.
- It's a self esteem generator.
- It's a role model creator for the local indigenous community.
- It's an initiator for financial security and a positive future
Sarina Russo Job Access' dedicated Indigenous Services Unit:
- Develop solutions to help Indigenous candidates overcome barriers, enhance skills and knowledge through training;
- Educate and engage employers in the benefits of employing Indigenous Australians;
- Provide advice, support and direction on effective programs and services in a culturally aware manner; and
- Are recognised and respected in the Indigenous community
Partnership - Australian Employment Covenant
Sarina Russo Job Access has been involved with the Australian Employment Covenant since it started. Together Sarina Russo Job Access, the AEC and employers have been making inroads into the tremendous challenge of Indigenous employment.
Sarina Russo is also signed up to the Australian Employment Covenant as a corporate employer and we have employed 10 people directly as part of our commitment. We practice what we preach.
Sarina Russo sees the importance of this great challenge and the whole organisation came on board to support a dedicated Indigenous services team who drive this commitment right down to site level.
The Australian Employment Covenant mirrors our company's commitment to improving Indigenous job outcomes. Working together is good for the communities, good for Sarina Russo and good for the employers.
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Creating 100 Indigenous role models
100 Indigenous apprentices will get the best possible chance to complete their trade qualification thanks to a Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Services' Indigenous Mentoring Program.
Mr Michael Leistner, Manager, Mentoring and Support Services, Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Services said the program will be offered throughout the first year of their apprenticeship.
"This is an extremely powerful program because it's a self-esteem generator, a role model creator and an initiator for financial security and a positive future.
"We pay special attention to those issues which lead to so many indigenous apprentices not completing their qualification such as workplace productivity, budgeting, work / life balance, managing family issues, coping with study and work, workplace culture, diet and nutrition, managing stress, cultural awareness and substance abuse advice.
"Employers also benefit from this free service by gaining valuable insight and advice from dedicated employment coaches to help them retain valuable employees.
"Our employment coaches provide tailored support to address apprentice issues and provide specific direction and advice.
"Apprentices and employers can also access an employment coach online through Facebook www.facebook.com/SarinaRussoInstitute#!/TalkMyTrade the web www.talkmytrade.com.au/ or a 24-hour phone line 1300 178 77]," Mr Leistner said.
Sarina Russo Apprenticeship Services mentoring services is funded by the Australian Government under the Indigenous Employment Program and to be eligible the apprentice must:
- Identify as Indigenous.
- Commence their apprenticeship, or have commenced their apprenticeship in the last 6 months and be at risk of not completing their apprenticeship.
- Not be currently enrolled in another DEEWR IEP (Indigenous Employment Program)
- Be employed under an Industry Award, ratified Enterprise Agreement or registered Employer/Employee Agreement
Mr Leistner said the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relation's Indigenous Employment Program Funding will help train and retain Australia's Indigenous Workforce.
Mentor for job seekers
Sarina Russo Job Access is helping indigenous job seekers break into the workforce with a mentoring service.
Sarina Russo Job Access's first indigenous mentor is Violet Standen.
Ms Standen's job is to liaise between indigenous employees recruited by Sarina Russo Job Access and their employers.
"I work with the employee and employer for between three and six months," she said.
Ms Standen said her role involved helping indigenous employees fit into the workplace, especially if they had been unemployed previously.
"I help them overcome challenges relating to family, their health and work injuries and I will sometimes refer the worker to other relevant services," she said.
Sarina Russo Job Access CEO Kevin Ayre said the goal of the mentoring program was to ensure indigenous employees kept jobs long term.
"A vital part of the mentor's role is to educate employers about the benefits an indigenous worker can bring to a diversified workplace," Mr Ayre said.
