Waalitj and Alcoa foundations launch new program for Kwinana, Peel and South-West Indigenous job seekers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers across Kwinana, Peel and the upper South-West regions are set to have more employment pathways open up this year.

A new partnership between the Waalitj Foundation and Alcoa Foundation will help build on the already existing pre-employment program Plan 2 Day 4 Tomorrow and focus on improving the employability of Indigenous job seekers through developing skills and work readiness.

The program, which is set to start on January 24, will be delivered by Indigenous employment mentors who take a culturally appropriate approach to breaking down the barriers to employment and provide individualised mentoring support.

There will also be support for job seekers to obtain a driver’s licence.

The announcement follows a similar partnership between the Waalitj and Alcoa foundations to help build the capacity of existing and emerging Indigenous businesses across the same areas.

Alcoa Australia human resources and employee relations director Matthew Gleeson said the company was proud to be further stepping up its support.

“Our Reconciliation Action Plan articulates our desire to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through both procurement upskilling and opportunities, along with training and employment,” Mr Gleeson said.

“By broadening our partnership with the Waalitj Foundation, we hope to continue providing support for Indigenous businesses while also helping people secure employment across communities in the Kwinana, Peel and the upper South-West regions, near where we operate.”

Waalitj Foundation director Troy Cook said the company was looking forward to taking the program to the southern regions.

“We are excited to be returning to the Kwinana region and to expand our reach, reconnecting with local employers, delivering our Fit 4 work pre-employment sessions and providing mentoring for Indigenous jobseekers,” Mr Cook said.

“Building capacity in jobseekers means addressing the barriers to employment. One major barrier is gaining a driver’s licence. As part of this program, we will support people to get their license and other tickets or qualifications that may contribute to sustainable employment.”