The Victorian Transport Association is calling on industry members to support the newly-commenced Indigenous Employment Program.

VTA chief executive Neil Chambers says the program needs industry support for participants to see real pay-offs.

“We are very pleased that students in our inaugural indigenous employment pathway program are well into the study and practical skills development portion of the training. This is a fantastic program where we are giving indigenous youth the opportunity to learn job ready skills in the transport & logistics sector. Now we are looking for support from employers to engage them in work experience as part of the program,” Mr Chambers said.

The culturally-specific VTA Indigenous Employment Program is aimed at delivering the fundamental knowledge and skills that students need to gain employment in the transport and logistics sector. Students undertake a range of language, literacy and warehouse operations challenges as part of the course. It also includes OH&S procedures, workplace communications, manual handling, operating a forklift, picking and process, loading and unloading.

The students have reportedly completed their initial weeks of hands-on training in Altona, program organisers are now looking for a commitment from employers to step forward and provide 1-2 days of work placement for two weeks, as well as one month paid part-time or full-time work experience after the participant completes all eight weeks of the training program. The employer will then get the opportunity to assess the commitment of the individual and their suitability for possible ongoing employment.

“Businesses will be provided with full support and cultural awareness training to ensure positive outcomes for all. Potentially, there are also wage subsidy incentives for employers who take on Indigenous employees,” Mr Chambers said, “the VTA is having a red-hot go at developing training and employment pathways into the transport and logistics industry for not only indigenous entrants, but for other groups of potential future employees, including new migrants.”

Anybody whose business has a commitment to employing Indigenous Australians and is willing to provide an opportunity for work experience to an individual who has completed job-specific training can contact Kristie Lawson, VTA Program Coordinator, on 03 9646 8590.