April 03, 2012, 1:20 am -- /EPR NETWORK/ -- Aboriginal job seekers can now apply for a range of training and job opportunities in the disability services sector as part of the National Disability Services - Aboriginal Jobs Together partnership initiative.
This project supports the placement of 155 Aboriginal Trainees and Cadets with individual pre-employment and vocational training support, while building the capacity of non-government organisations in the disability and community services sector to employ Aboriginal people.
NDS is the national peak body for disability services, representing 700 non-government organisations nationally. Through the Aboriginal Jobs Together partnership, NDS has been working with its members throughout NSW to develop and increase the availability, level of training and jobs in the NSW disability services sector.
In NSW, the rate of Aboriginal unemployment is currently more than four times the rate of non-Aboriginal job seekers. Through dedicated Aboriginal Regional Coordinators, NDS is working closely with all partner organisations to develop innovative localised approaches to support these exciting employment opportunities for Aboriginal job seekers.
Dylan Reynolds, Indigenous Programs Manager at National Disability Services - Aboriginal Jobs Together, said the initiative provides a vital connection between employers, Aboriginal job seekers and disability service providers.
"Today's advertisement of traineeship and cadetship positions with 30 providers will increase Aboriginal employment, help build a more culturally diverse workforce and better support Aboriginal people seeking disability services," he said.
"Successful trainees will receive individual assistance in making the transition into training and building skills for turning training into future employment. Aboriginal people will emerge from this traineeship prepared for promising and fulfilling careers, and obtain certificate qualifications recognised by the NSW Department of Education.
"The disability sector provides an ideal opportunity for learning new skills as part of a dedicated team making a difference in people's lives. More than 26,000 people work in community and disability support in NSW and demand is growing.
"We've had an overwhelming response from employers ready to close the gap in Aboriginal employment, with more than 282 expressions of interest for trainee positions across NSW.
"I encourage all Aboriginal job seekers to visit our Aboriginal Jobs Together website for more details on starting a new and rewarding career today," he said.
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About Aboriginal Jobs Together & carecareers
Aboriginal Jobs Together is a workforce development initiative built on local and regional partnerships and supported by the NSW Government in recognition of the need to improve attraction, recruitment and retention within the community care and disability sectors.
carecareers are coordinating the Aboriginal Jobs Together project which is designed to develop a sustainable workforce to meet the growing demands within the NSW disability care sector. The carecareers employment website is a one-stop shop for those interested in finding out more about a career in the sector and functions much like Seek or MyCareer but also offers a careers advisory service and help-line for job seekers.
For more information:
carecareers
GPO Box 2687
Sydney
New South Wales 2001
Australia
www.carecareers.com.au
Tel: 1300 637 637
E-mail: info@carecareers.com.au
Media enquiries: Jane Garcia, 0434 489 533