Job Club
Job Club visit to NMIT.
In 2013, the Fitzroy Learning Network Job Club has
continued to offer a variety of services to help people
find employment. Resume assistance and job search
strategies are provided through an appointment
based system for students from Fitzroy Learning
Network and the wider community. Most of these
people are ineligible for government assistance due
to their visa status.
The provision of an employment pathways
program appears to be most relevant to the student
population at the Fitzroy Learning Network. Over
the past twelve months, we have seen increasing
numbers of asylum seekers without work rights
enrolled in English classes. Many of these students
are keen to learn about work in Australia. This
year workplace visits have been arranged to the
following local community organisations: Acacia
Fitzroy Creche (Child Care), Sumner House
(Aged Care), CERES (Gardening), State Library
of Victoria(Library and Research Skills), Charcoal
Lane (Hospitality), NMIT Heidelberg (Building and
Construction) and the Fitzroy Library (Customer
Service and Library)
Four students are currently enrolled in the Breaking
Down Barriers Program. These students continue
to develop their English skills through attending
classes at the Fitzroy Learning Network. They also
volunteer at a local community organisation for
4-6 hours per week. Local organisations who have
offered placements in 2013 include Sacred Heart
Fitzroy Learning Network Annual Report 2012/13
Primary School (Fitzroy), Save the Children (Fitzroy
Toy Library), Acacia-Fitzroy Creche, The Social
Studio and CERES Environment Park (Brunswick).
Students are assisted by mentors to extend their
understanding of the Australian Employment System
by developing Employment Pathways Portfolios and
resumes.
We also celebrate the success of two ex-students
whose energy and self-motivation have led to
paid employment. One of these clients gained
employment at a large city hotel after completing
the SCARF Hospitality Program. The other client is
starting her own catering business after completing
related courses in Food Handling and Barista
Training; she also volunteered at The Social Studio.
Several asylum seekers, without work rights, have
independently sought volunteer work whilst they
await relevant bridging visas allowing them to work.
Ineligibility for subsidised training programs is an
ongoing issue for many of our students: partnerships
with other relevant community organisations could
be a solution to this problem.
Looking towards 2014, it is relevant to note that
demand for Job Club services has grown over the
past twelve months. A review of programs, the
development of stronger links with community
organisations and an increase in volunteer personnel
could provide a more efficient and stream-lined
approach in 2014.
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