Skilled migrants in Western Australia will improve job readiness and better prepare for Australian workplaces with the funding of a partnership between Australian Red Cross and training organisation, Evolve WA.
Australian Red Cross has been awarded a two-year contract as part of the Western Australian Government's Skilled Migration Strategy, allowing it to continue the important work of the City of Stirling's Kaleidoscope Initiative and expand it to the rest of the state.
The partnership between Australian Red Cross and Evolve WA will prepare skilled migrants for employment in Western Australia, with the program delivering five-day training courses and 12-week mentoring programs.
Australian Red Cross State Director Western Australia, Craig Stewart, said the service will be a valuable addition to the suite of programs Red Cross already delivers supporting refugees and migrants in transition to settle successfully into the community and fully participate in the economic life of the state.
"We know that meaningful employment is key to successful resettlement for all migrants and when they are not fully recognised for their skills, qualifications and experience, unemployment or underemployment can occur," Mr Stewart said.
"This program will reduce structural obstacles to meaningful employment and link new arrivals with the networks they need to unlock their full potential in the WA jobs market, which ultimately strengthens the WA economy and benefits all Western Australians."
Australian Red Cross will utilise its corporate, professional, and business networks to grow a pool of mentors who will provide one-on-one support to new migrants as they navigate the Australian job market.
Mr Stewart said the program will continue to be known as the Kaleidoscope Initiative in recognition of the innovative work of the City of Stirling and its delivery partners in trialing the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) model in Western Australia.
"We are working closely with the City of Stirling to ensure the important work done since 2017 can continue as we look to strengthen and build on what has already been achieved to support newcomers and employers to help reduce employment barriers," Mr Stewart said.
"We are also delighted to be partnering with Evolve WA, a local training organisation that shares Red Cross's values and has a strong reputation as a trusted and quality training provider."
The Kaleidoscope Initiative is free for all migrants who are confident English language speakers, are unemployed or underemployed, and have been in Australia for less than 10 years.
