A successful economic development and workforce participation program, pairing highly skilled migrants with local professions has received funding to continue into a second year.
The Kaleidoscope Mentoring Program, part of the City of Stirling's broader Kaleidoscope Initiative, assists new migrants to improve their employment potential by connecting them with mentors in their fields.
Mentors work with the mentees to build an understanding of Australian workplace culture, recruitment practices and industry networks to assist them to achieve their career goals.
The program was developed to increase workforce participation of unemployed and underemployed migrants. It also aims to increase the capacity of employers to reap the rewards of a diverse workforce.
The Kaleidoscope Initiative received initial funding of $250,000 through the McGowan Government's Local Projects, Local Jobs initiative.
The additional funding of $187,574, administered by the Office of Multicultural Interests, will extend the project until the end of 2019.
As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia:
"By supporting newly arrived Australians to be job ready, the Kaleidoscope Initiative is unlocking a wealth of skills and knowledge for Western Australia.
"Removing barriers to employment for highly skilled newly arrived migrants and providing opportunities for people to fulfil their career potential, leads to positive social and economic outcomes that benefit the whole community.
"The program is also helping businesses appreciate the benefits of a culturally diverse workforce with more than 300 professionals, employers and business leaders having already participated in training programs."
As stated by Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman:
"With unemployment in the Mirrabooka area hovering at 20 per cent, the community needs on-the-ground employment initiatives responsive to their circumstances; Kaleidoscope is one step towards meeting this demand.
"Kaleidoscope, having been modelled on the successful Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council, establishes vital network links for newly arrived Australians struggling to get a start in their chosen career.
"This investment by the State Government builds upon the initial WA Government funding, which has already supported close to 300 newcomers."
