Waalitj Foundation and Alcoa supporting First Nations jobseekers through pre-employment program

A new First Nations jobseeking program is delivering employment outcomes across Kwinana, Peel and the upper South West region.

Pre-employment program Plan 2 Day 4 Tomorrow (P242) is being delivered by the Waalitj Foundation in partnership with Alcoa in communities near the miner’s bauxite mines and alumina refineries, including Kwinana, Pinjarra and Waroona.

Since the partnership’s launch in February, 61 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers have been assisted and 14 have secured a full-time job. Eight participants were also supported to obtain their driver’s licence.

The program focuses on upskilling jobseekers to increase their employability and job readiness. It is delivered by Indigenous employment mentors to ensure a culturally appropriate approach is undertaken to break down barriers to employment.

Waalitj Foundation employment program manager Erin Rundle is encouraging all Indigenous jobseekers to attend Fit 4 Work sessions in Kwinana, Pinjarra and Waroona.

“Fit 4 Work sessions offer a welcoming environment for participants to hear from potential employers, learn about job vacancies and work with our highly skilled employment team,” Ms Rundle said.

Ms Rundle said her team was motivated to help each jobseeker find a job they were interested in and was appropriate to their skillset.

“It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about reaching sustainable long-term employment,” she said.

Alcoa Australia human resources and employee relations director Matthew Gleeson said the company was proud of its involvement in the program.

“Having a meaningful job and career is an important part of individual, family and community health and as such we are proud to partner with Waalitj Foundation to help reduce the employment gap between First Nations people and the broader community,” Mr Gleeson said.

The Fit 4 Work sessions and locations are:

• Kwinana — Wednesday 10am-noon, Medina Aboriginal Community Centre;
• Pinjarra — fortnightly Tuesday 10am-noon, Murray House, 14 James Street, Pinjarra;
• Waroona — monthly Tuesday 1.30pm, Recreation Centre, 88 Hill Street, Waroona.