Leadership skills for young Indigenous Australians

Fifteen Indigenous trainees are undertaking a week-long leadership course in Canberra as part of a new eight-week Australian Defence Force and Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations training and employment initiative.

The leadership course gives young Indigenous Australians the chance to acquire important skills which are vital for the future of their communities.

The course focuses on developing participants’ strengths, personal values, decision making and communication skills.

It also teaches the students how to apply these skills to secure a job or assist in community development, and focuses on the particular challenges for young Indigenous people.

As well as the Leadership Program, the Defence Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Course trainees are visiting ADF establishments in Townsville and Cairns and undertaking study in numeracy and English literacy, motivation, discipline, communication and skills to live away from home.

The Australian Government understands that Indigenous employment is critical to closing the gap in life opportunities that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The Defence Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Course (IPRC) is part of the Australian Defence Force Indigenous Recruitment Strategy, encouraging more Indigenous people into full-time defence careers.

The Australian Government has provided more than $250,000 towards the eight-week course.

Tailored pathways and alternative entry points to the Australian Defence Force can improve the success rate of Indigenous candidates in the recruiting process.

At the completion of the IPRC, those that are not eligible for the ADF recruitment process will be supported to find suitable employment in other arenas.