First Nations youth will be taught the skills they need for successful long-term careers through a tailored pre-employment program designed to prepare them for the workforce.
The Michael Long Foundation is partnering with Coles to deliver the new First Nations job skills program in the Northern Territory and Victoria to provide youth aged 15 to 25 with the tools and confidence to walk into meaningful work-build successful careers.
Each workshop will focus on practical job readiness, such as resume building, interview skills and workplace expectations, and celebrate cultural identity and personal strengths as essential assets in the workplace.
Founder of the foundation and former Essendon football champion Michael Long said that the Walking into Employment with Coles includes a series of 20 culturally safe, skills-based sessions for First Nations jobseekers to empower them to kickstart their professional lives and apply for a job with Coles.
“When young First Nations people see a workplace where they are respected and supported, they begin to see what’s possible for themselves, their families and their future,” said Mr Long, a proud Anmatyerre, Marranunggu and Tiwi Aboriginal man.
“We thank Coles for joining us to walk with young people through this program, not just as an employer, but as a partner who understands the power of culture in shaping confidence.”
Participants will be matched with a mentor from the Michael Long Foundation, who will continue to support them to pursue real job opportunities.
The program will engage youth from regional and rural Indigenous communities across the NT and Victoria, with some travelling hundreds of kilometres to take part.
Coles is one of the largest private-sector employers of First Nations people – 3.5 per cent of its 115,000 team members identify as Indigenous.
Coles head of Indigenous affairs, and proud Kamilaroi woman Sara Stuart said the program reflected Coles’ commitment to building lasting pathways to employment for First Nations communities.
“Partnering with the Michael Long Foundation allows us to support young people in a way that is grounded in culture, driven by community and shaped by trust,” Ms Stuart said.
“Coles knows how important it is to back young people early with the right support, strong mentors, and real opportunities in community and on Country through programs like Walking into Employment with Coles.”
CREDIT- News Corp Australia