Special program provides employment pathways for CALD job seekers

MatchWorks has teamed up with Melbourne City Football Club, with support from the Scanlon Foundation, to help 25 culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) job seekers through the City @ Work employment program, which officially launched yesterday.

City @ Work is a 10-week program which combines intensive employability training, community linkages and weekly football training sessions for CALD job seekers in the Dandenong region. The program follows the successful City Start, City Sisters and City Pathways programs.

Participants, staff and employers involved in City @ Work 2018.

Participants, staff and employers involved in City @ Work 2018.

Through City @ Work, unemployed or under-employed people will work with Melbourne City FC staff to undertake a fun fitness program, followed by MatchWorks employability preparation training. The first group commences training on March 7 and they will graduate on May 8.

MatchWorks Executive Director Renae Lowry said the core aim of City @ Work is to have every participant in the group gain meaningful and lasting employment.

“City @ Work participants will hear from guest speakers, meet Melbourne City FC players and attend games among other activities. Participants will also link in with community services to then break down cultural barriers, integrate with the community and gain access to important services including legal, health and financial assistance,” she said.

“Most importantly, City @ Work participants will receive the support they require to transition to lasting employment. There’s also an exciting opportunity for participants to meet Melbourne City FC players and to learn about and develop a healthy and active lifestyle.”