Indigenous Employment Program DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT

Objective Assist Agencies to achieve the NTG Indigenous Employment targets: –10% by 2012 –20% by / / / / Darwin & Regions 80 Darwin & Regions 80 Darwin & Regions 80 Darwin & Regions Cabinet has approved the program and anticipates:

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Overview and features Targets unemployed Indigenous job seekers 20 week pre-employment training at Certificate II Structured on-the-job work experience during training Training for workplace supervisors and buddies Guaranteed employment on successful completion of training Normal probationary arrangements on commencement Designed to provide job-ready, base-grade employees $5 000 / candidate agency contribution Augment and complement current Indigenous employment strategies

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Pre-employment Training 1 week pre-entry program focussed on workplace expectations and orientation 20 weeks Certificate II level training Significant work placement experience Current focus on Administrative stream employment Core skills of generic AO2 Probation period allows for the employee to consolidate these skills

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Work Placements Develop skills learned in off-the-job training by applying them in a real work context Develop core skills, gain an understanding of employer expectations and workplace culture Build workplace relationships and make the link between the training program and a real, permanent job 8:00 to 4:21 unless otherwise advised by the agency Up to 30 days of work placement within the program

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT For participants: A comprehensive pre-entry 4 day induction – “Strengthening Strengths”, working in the NTG – work place visits, meet supervisors and employees Facilitated workshops with supervisors and participants exploring workplace expectations Meaningful and relevant work placements which provide the opportunity to gain work skills and connect the training to work A workplace buddy identified for each participant Scheduled peer networking opportunities to share experiences and access a “study buddy” Regular contact with an IEP mentor Access to an established contact network for support and guidance Program Supports

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Program Supports For Supervisors and Buddies: Supervisor workshop Networking forums Structured workplace visits from the IEP team ‘Buddy’ training session delivered by the Australian Employment Covenant (AEC) Ongoing Buddy support provided by the AEC HR assistance – development planning

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Challenges / opportunities Creating opportunities for base-grade employment Permanent versus temporary Numbers cap Planning for a positive experience – employer and employee Up front investment in candidates Competition with apprenticeship program / ELR Employment guarantees in Territory Growth Towns

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Where to from here? Current program 15 candidates start 4 May; commence employment September Planning for minimum 4 intakes Urban and regional programs Tailoring training / qualification to suit demand Reporting back to Cabinet on success

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT Contacts Key contacts for IEP: Wendy Moulds Manager – Indigenous Employment Program Peter Mayo Indigenous Employment Officer

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT IEP - An Equity Based Program Equity refers to fairness, or principles of justice, aimed to redress inequalities in opportunity experienced by some individuals or groups. Equality refers to all people being treated equally. How does this program address Equity? Equity is aimed at redressing the inequalities*. Through the program structure we offer participants the opportunities and support mechanisms to develop their skills and experience to bring them towards the entry level recruitment point of an A02. ** Examples of inequalities include: –Greatly reduced life expectancy –Generational unemployment –Long term unemployment –Substantially lower levels of education –Lower income, and –Demanding social issues Equity vs equality