atWork Australia’s ParentsNext team partner with Kaya Wandjoo Empower to Employment, a program run by Training U to support Indigenous parents to reach their goals. Since the beginning of the partnership, eight Indigenous atWork Australia clients have participated in the course, with four expected to be in meaningful work at the start of 2024.
One client has already started paid employment in the construction industry, while another is due to start in early 2024. Another two clients, Shakira and Shakeeda, have job offers from Training U to become trainers in the new year.
The partnership was created when Shakira and Shakeeda approached atWork Australia for financial support to enrol in the Kaya Wandjoo Employer to Employment program. The atWork Australia ParentsNext team agreed that this was something we could support, so Shakira and Shakeeda contacted Centrelink to arrange a transfer to atWork Australia.
During the process of enrolling Shakira and Shakeeda in the program, Paul from Training U expressed how impressed he was with the efficiency and support of the atWork Australia team. As a result, when he had others approach him with interest in the course, he began referring them to the Perth South team.
The program is a construction course supporting people to attain various short work-related licences, including working from heights, elevated work platforms and obtaining a White Card. Training U then also assist with negotiating opportunities, such as traineeships or employment for the participants, once they have completed the program.
atWork Australia ParentsNext Manager, Louise, said that by working together, parents can access support they may not have realised was available.
“Often, clients who are referred to us are unaware that support was available to help parents reach their employment and educational goals while their children are young,” said Louise.
“Working with the community helps us to connect with as many people as possible. We also support clients with career guidance and connecting them to local support services including childcare and wellbeing services.”
atWork Australia clients celebrate graduating from the Kaya Wandjoo Empower to Employment program