A program aimed at preparing Logan refugees for the workforce finished its inaugural intake with a graduation ceremony on Monday afternoon (March 18).
Initiated by Logan City Council to help boost job prospects for the city’s refugees, the work experience and trainee programs had 12 participants placed in different branches throughout the organisation.
Jobs undertaken ranged from working in libraries to metal fabrication at a Council works depot.
Councillor Russell Lutton, a passionate proponent and advocate for the program, said many refugees had great skills and experience from their home countries but had language and cultural barriers when looking for work in Australia.
“My division is rich with refugees who call Logan home, so as a councillor I’m proud we’ve taken the step to introduce this program,” Cr Lutton said.
“These people want to work and give something back to the country that has given them a chance.”
Cr Lutton challenged other Logan employers to follow Council’s lead.
“As we’ve seen from the participants this year, they’re highly-skilled and motivated workers, they just need that foot in the door,” he said.
Councillor Jon Raven, who also advocated strongly for the creation of the program, said it was an exciting start.
“Our vision is that in the years to come, we’ll see many of these trainees in full-time work, either with Council or in the private sector,” Cr Raven said.
Council Branches where the trainees worked include Administration, Plant Fleet, Road Construction and Maintenance, People and Culture, Libraries and Corporate Governance.
Some of the participants have already made the transition to work, with one participant securing casual work with Council and another leaving the program having secured permanent external employment.
City Treasurer, Councillor Trevina Schwarz, said the initiative added to Council’s already extensive traineeship program.
“We will host 55 new trainees and apprentices in 2019, bringing our total cohort to 81,” Cr Schwarz said.
“This makes it one of the largest traineeship and apprenticeship programs for an organisation of our size.”
Access Community Services’ Employment Business Manager Jodi Brackenbury said feedback from the participants in the refugee program was positive.
“Access is proud to have been supporting refugees across Logan for over 34 years,” she said.
“We see many refugees come to Australia with overseas qualifications who will benefit from local experience. Logan City Council have helped close that gap.
“The participants were mentored in a similar or closely related business area as their area of expertise.
“The feedback received was the opportunity to learn Australian workplace language and culture was invaluable.”
