For more than 60 thousand years, First Nations people have been the traditional owners of Australia, and they’re known to be one of the oldest continuous cultures on earth. Despite their rich cultural history and connection to Australia, First Nations people have experienced significant mistreatment for many decades which has created intergenerational trauma, excluding people from their communities and creating immense challenges to participate in the workforce. This article will focus on some of the key challenges First Nations people are currently experiencing in the job market and how we can limit these challenges to create more First Nations job opportunities.
Main First Nations Challenges in the Job Market
The challenges First Nations people are experiencing in the workplace are through no fault of their own, these challenges exist due to the mistreatment of First Nations people over many generations. The inequalities First Nations people were forced to live with throughout history are still impacting First Nations employment, as past trauma’s, limited access to education and employment has a flow on effect which influences their livelihood and ability to engage in society. Here are a few examples of the challenges First Nations people experience in the workplace.
Limited Access to Culturally Safe Workplaces
There are some organisations making great progress in creating culturally safe workplaces through the implementation of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP) and developing a First Nations employment strategy to ensure equal opportunities in the recruitment process. However, this is just a starting point and it is clear more work needs to be done to create inclusive work practices as many First Nations people report that many workplaces lack cultural understanding or support.
Some of the common challenges First Nations people experience in the workplace include:
- Stereotyping or unconscious bias
- Lack of cultural competency training
- Limited recognition of cultural leave needs
- Work environments that feel isolating due to low Indigenous representation
A culturally safe workplace is one where people feel respected, their able to be themselves, and are not pressured to choose between culture and career. Read more about how you can support First Nations employees.
Education Gaps & Unequal Schooling Outcomes
Due to the inequalities experience by First Nations people over multiple generations this has led to systemic disadvantages that are still felt in the education system today. These barriers begin early and are compounded overtime, as previous generations had limited access to high- quality childhood education, this disadvantage then limits access to secondary education and reduces pathways to gain tertiary qualifications. Ultimately, the result of not having access to quality education reduces a person’s ability to develop high level skills which leads to higher paid jobs. Unfortunately, history shows this cycle continues from one generation to the next as the appropriate supports have not been implemented by working with First Nations people to create change. Removing barriers to employment for First Nations people is a major contribution towards creating this change and a more equitable society. The benefits of employment impact beyond the individual, it positively impacts their family, allowing their children to access education, engage in the community and take positive steps towards breaking down systemic disadvantages.
Geographic Isolation & Limited Local Opportunities
Many First Nations people live in remote areas where there are limited employment opportunities, public transport is unreliable or too expensive, digital connection is poor and it is hard to access training or upskilling opportunities. Despite a person’s motivation or willingness to work, these structural barriers are further impacting a person’s ability to progress in employment. In these situations, people are often forced to leave their homes for long periods of time in search of employment. However, this can create additional barriers as people are separated from family and cultural connections.
Lack of Access to Practical Resources
Sometimes people who have always had access to the fundamental resources required to maintain employment may not realise or appreciate just how important these resources are because they have always been readily accessible. For example, imagine if you did not have a practical way of getting to and from work. How would that change your situation? This is a common issue for First Nations people where they do not have access to reliable transport, suitable work clothing, digital devices and internet, childcare support and stable housing. These fundamental resources (which can sometimes be taken for granted) can significantly impact a person’s ability to apply for, secure and maintain employment. In an attempt to remove these barriers, atWork Australia can provide additional support that is tailored to a person’s unique circumstances.
Limited Career Pathways & Mentorship
Many First Nations people seeking employment don’t see visible pathways into skilled, professional or leadership positions. Again, this is a result of decades of disadvantage and limited First Nations job opportunities. Some of the key barriers preventing these pathways exist because there are fewer First Nations mentors or managers, limited targeted development programs and limited long-term support after securing employment. Developing career pathways and providing on going support is just as important as the initial employment and creates a foundation for people to further develop their skills and progress in the workplace.
Inadequate Support During Job Search
First Nations people can often experience challenges throughout the job search process as some service providers don’t have the resources to fully meet their needs, by way of providing culturally tailored support, they may prioritise immediate employment over long-term success and limited community relationships. For many First Nations people they require holistic support that considers their cultural needs, support to access training and a strong focus on their overall wellbeing. atWork Australia provides a dedicated Job Coach who will work closely with an individual to tailor their support throughout every stage of their employment journey. atWork Australia also delivers the Jobs for the Mob program which is designed to support First Nations people to prepare for employment. Read Melissa’s story and see how Jobs for the Mob played a pivotal role in her career journey.
How atWork Australia Can Support First Nations Job Opportunities
atWork Australia is focussed on working with First Nations people to provide tailored support that allows people to progress on their employment journey and achieve their career goals. By providing culturally tailored support and First Nations mentors can begin to breakdown some of the barriers First Nations people experience in the workplace, creating more First Nations job opportunities and playing a small, but important part in overcoming systemic challenges to gaining employment. If your organisation needs support to develop a First Nations employment strategy or your looking for culturally tailored support on your employment journey, connect with atWork Australia today.