Skilled new arrivals take steps towards resuming their careers

Newly arrived humanitarian entrants have started to access a new pilot program designed to help them use their professional or trade skills and qualifications in Australia.

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Zed Seselja said the three-year Career Pathways Pilot is being rolled out in six locations – Sydney (Settlement Services International), Melbourne (AMES Australia), Perth (atWork Australia), Canberra (Navitas English), Toowoomba (Multicultural Development Australia) and Hobart (CatholicCare Tasmania).

The Career Pathways Pilot will help up to 1,200 newly arrived humanitarian entrants use their pre-arrival skills and qualifications in Australia and pursue a satisfying career.

These new arrivals represent an untapped economic potential to the Australian labour market.

The pilot will be delivered by selected service providers and will complement employment assistance already available to Australian humanitarian entrant jobseekers. Evaluation of the pilot program is expected to provide valuable lessons on helping humanitarian entrants pursue careers in which they can use their skills and contribute to the Australian economy.

Assistant Minister Seselja said businesses in the six pilot locations will be encouraged to consider employing humanitarian entrants.

“Businesses should think about offering a humanitarian entrant a job that helps them to use and develop their skills and experience in an Australian workplace,” Assistant Minister Seselja said.

“Like many other new migrants, humanitarian entrants bring a range of skills, knowledge and innovative work and business practices.

“For many qualified and skilled humanitarian entrants, finding employment in Australia in the same type of job they had in their source country can be difficult.

“By offering a humanitarian entrant a job that is relevant to their skills and experience, businesses are helping them to become a confident, independent, contributing member of the community.”

Under the pilot, an advisor is available to help eligible humanitarian entrants to plan a career pathway in Australia.

Assistant Minister Seselja said starting a new life in a new country is a challenge.

“The Government’s settlement programs provide early practical support to humanitarian entrants,” he said.

“Settlement services connect people to services and supports such as training and employment opportunities.”

For more information on the Career Pathways Pilot program, go to www.dss.gov.au/careerpathways.