Indigenous employment program launches in Warrnambool
Local employment service provider MatchWorks launched the successful Deadly Yakka program in Warrnambool today for Indigenous job seekers in the region.
The launch, held at the Warrnambool MatchWorks office, was attended by guest speaker Gunditjmara man Richard Frankland. Eastern Maar Citizens Uncle Rob Lowe and Brett Clarke conducted the traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
The initiative, specifically designed for Indigenous job seekers, focuses on real employment outcomes and assists people to find a job they will be passionate about.
The Deadly Yakka launches in Warrnambool with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
The two-week course has delivered successful programs at Victorian, Queensland and South Australian locations, with job seekers gaining and maintaining employment after working with Indigenous mentors and trainers.
The Deadly Yakka program covers goal setting and personal development, life skills for work, interview skills, cultural awareness training, presentation advice, workplace expectations and job search skills; while also addressing personal barriers to understand what has been holding participants back in their journey to work.
MatchWorks Executive Director Renae Lowry said the Deadly Yakka prepares career pathways for Indigenous job seekers with the opportunity to develop skills, increase their confidence, network with potential employers, and ultimately find sustainable employment.
“The Deadly Yakka program will commence with traditional cultural activities where job seekers will have the opportunity to meet staff and various support services, such as employers, trainers and mentors who will assist them throughout the initiative,” she said.
“Once the formal training period is complete, job seekers will continue to workshop activities with their MatchWorks mentors and marketers to help increase their chances of gaining ongoing employment. We have already seen a lot of successful outcomes from this program and we are excited to be launching it in Warrnambool.”
Deadly Yakka launched in Victoria in 2014 and has run at Bendigo, Sunshine and Bacchus Marsh. It has also been delivered in Noarlunga (South Australia), Caboolture (Queensland), Mount Druitt and Lake Haven (New South Wales) and Gosnells (Western Australia).
MatchWorks and Employment Services Group (ESG) will continue to roll out the initiative at more locations in the future.