SUPPORTING CALD COMMUNITIES: ‘Women-Led Careers Project’

‘The strength of the Skills & Jobs Centre lies not only in its attendance to individual client needs, but also in strong partnerships with community and local industry, linking training and skills development to relevant employment opportunities and local economy growth.’

Victoria University Polytechnic’s Skills and Jobs Centre plays an important role as a supporting partner for Moonee Valley City Council’s (MVCC) ‘Women-Led Careers Project’. Funded by the National Careers Institute, this career guidance program for migrant and refugee women in the City of Moonee Valley has partnered with the Skills and Jobs Centre to support the development and implementation of career guidance activities

As the University of the West, VU works closely with a number of local councils across Melbourne’s inner and outer western suburbs to support community and economic development. Accordingly, the Skills and Jobs Centre works with culturally diverse (CALD) communities and students across Melbourne’s West to celebrate diversity and foster educational and career opportunities.

To date, along with MVCC leaders and mentors, the Skills and Jobs Centre has assisted this group of 25+ CALD women from the Flemington and Ascot Vale estates by delivering:

• • multiple face-to-face workshops on topics including career action planning, study pathways for industries in demand and resume writing;
  • guided tours of VU Polytechnic campuses in Footscray and Sunshine to explore training opportunities in areas such as business administration, hospitality, IT, aged care, early childhood education, nursing, paramedicine, trades and foundation language programs; and
  • individual career counselling sessions and the provision of ongoing, tailored career advice.

Program participant Sadia describes her interactions with the Skills and Jobs Centre as “eye opening” She says “it broadened my knowledge and I can now see things differently. I feel inspired and determined to pursue my education to help me build my network and employment opportunities in future.”

Program participant Buhaira said “I loved the VU trades tour. It has made me look at different options for work, gain more confidence and opened my eyes to what work women can do. I told all my friends and my two daughters about the different trades and some of them now want to organise to go on a campus tour together.” She went on to say that working with the Skills and Jobs Centre “has made me realise the support that is out in the community for migrants and women who want to study further.”

For further information on how to access our services, including employment opportunities, individual career counselling and online workshops visit:

skills-jobs-centres.com.au