Funding for Migrant & Refugee Job Seekers
15 July 2013 at 11:40 am
Funding is available for community organisations and employment services providers to create innovative employment projects for underemployed migrant and refugee job seekers.
The initiative forms part of the Migrant Communities Employment Fund and encourages applications for sustainable employment projects up to $200,000.
Suitable projects will provide opportunities for migrant and refugee jobseekers to:
- access suitable training (including English language training)
- access mentoring support
- participate in work experience and training in Australian workplace culture
- access employment opportunities
- receive employment support and post-placement support.
Employment Minister Brendan O’Connor said the program would give new Australians the opportunity to benefit from having a job.
“It is in Australia’s interest to ensure we’re utilising the productive capacity of each and every individual, including recent migrants and refugees,” he said.
“Not only will these projects provide better engagement with employers, they will work to improve perceptions of employers about migrant and refugee job seekers and workers.”
Multicultural Affairs Minister Kate Lundy said the fund would ensure migrants and refugees benefited from the dignity, security and independence that a job can bring.
“We want to do everything we can to help migrants and refugees to find and keep a job so they can provide for their family and contribute fully to our society,” she said.
“The Migrant Communities Employment Fund will fund projects to address migrant and refugee employment issues at the local grass-root level.
“I encourage migrant community organisations, other community organisations, employment services providers, government agencies and employers to get involved.”
Applications for first round projects close on July 19 with further funding rounds expected over the next two years.
To view the MCEF guidelines and to apply visit the website.
