Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP) 

STEP aims to provide additional assistance to employers in both the private and public sectors who are looking to employ indigenous Australians. It is a two way street, with the employers and the participant being offered training – for instance cultural awareness for the employer and employment training for the participant.  Mentoring also plays a large role in the program for the employer and participant. 

Eligibility for the program are Indigenous Australians of working age who are known within and are a part of their community.

What can be accessed through the program :-

Employment and Related Services (ERS) 

Background – Gippsland Initiative
One of the key objectives in Council’s Reconciliation statements is addressing the issues of unemployment and disadvantages facing the Indigenous Communities.

Subsequently in partnership with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, a STEP ERS program was implemented to foster employment opportunities in the entire Gippsland region.

The program is not limited to any particular industry or region in Gippsland and both private and public sector employers participate. To date the program, has included a diverse range of apprenticeships/traineeships. These include

• building construction
• business administration
• lighting and sound technicians
• childcare
  
• automotive
  

ERS offers a tailored package of assistance to meet business needs and maximise opportunities for Indigenous Job Seekers such as:

Pre-employment Training
Pre-employment training is provided to the participants that delivers a strong mentoring process, a focus on matching skills and interest with jobs and entry at different levels into a diverse range of employment.

Wage Assistance
The program provides flexible financial assistance for projects which offer structured training leading to lasting employment opportunities for Indigenous Job seekers.

Assistance is tailored according to business needs.

Cross-Cultural Training
A cross-cultural tailored training package will be available to the employers.

The program aims to provide the employer with knowledge of the Indigenous Community that will improve cultural understanding and awareness between Indigenous and non-indigenous people.

Mentor and Support
A strong base of mentors and support will be provided to both the trainee and the employer throughout the training.
The project co-ordinator will provide mentor/training support and career development training to employers whilst also providing  advice to employers in regard to training, budgeting and program development.

For further information about any of these programs please contact us or phone 1800 631 196 to discuss your particular needs.