Job Compacts
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Job Compacts is a new initiative which will explore innovative and creative measures to combat the high level of unemployment experienced by Aboriginal people, particularly in the context where the NSW population overall is enjoying a 30 year low level of unemployment.
Job Compacts are agreements developed on a location or industry basis to generate local employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in the private sector. Each Job Compact will identify how government agencies, business and industry groups, key Aboriginal organisations and local government can work can work together to overcome barriers and increase job opportunities for Aboriginal people locally. Key outcomes being sought are:
- Increased employment opportunities for Aboriginal People in the targeted locations; and
- Increased networking between employers, employment and training services and Aboriginal communities.
Twelve Job Compacts are being developed across NSW. At a minimum, Job Compact agreements will include a commitment from employers and service providers to undertake steps to develop and maintain Aboriginal cultural awareness within their organisation.
In addition, Job Compacts will also result in activities to boot local employment outcomes. For example, in locations where retails sector opportunities exist, stakeholders may agree to run a retail jobs expo or retails training workshop.
The NSW Government allocated $200,000 for Job Compacts to support the development of Job Compacts and support local initiatives.
Yarn'n Employment, Training and Consulting Services have been engaged to assist the development of Job Compacts in East Sydney, Tweed Heads, Wagga, Dubbo and Western Sydney. In the Hunter/Newcastle area, a grant was made to the Youloe-a Indigenous Development Association Incorporated. In addition, the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation has also received a grant to assist the development of a Job Compact in the Illawarra area.
Job Compacts are an important tool in developing strong partnerships with industry groups, businesses, Aborignal communities and job seekers. Employing Aboriginal people is advantageous for companies to build a diverse workforce that expands the cultural perspective of the organisation. Job Compacts also present private sector employers with opportunities to buils a reputation as a responsible employer that values diversity, and to buils a workforce that is reflective of their client base.
