We understand that finding a job here can be difficult for lots of reasons. Some employers want you to have work experience in Australia, and the Australian workplace can be hard to understand.

Employment Empowers connects newly-arrived young people from migrant or refugee backgrounds with volunteer mentors who are able to support you to find work.

When you join the Employment Empowers program, these volunteer mentors support you by:

  • helping you to think about what work you want to do in Australia
  • working with you to look for and apply to jobs
  • sharing their experience with you and answering your questions about working in Australia.

Who can join the program?

Young people from refugee or migrant backgrounds, between 18 and 25 years old, who have been in Australia for 6 months to 5 years and need help finding a job.

To join the program, you must:

  • Be 18 – 25 years old
  • Have been in Australia from 6 months to 5 years
  • Be from a refugee or migrant background
  • Currently live in or around Melbourne
  • Be interested in finding a job or work experience opportunity
  • Meet your mentor 1-2 times a month, in person, at a community library or public place or on Zoom
  • Commit to this program for up to 12 months.

Information for young people

Employment Empowers can help you if you have been in Australia for 5 years or less, and if finding a job is challenging for you because:

  • You don’t have much, or any, Australian work experience
  • Your qualifications are not recognised in Australia
  • You are still learning English
  • You would like to learn more about looking for and applying to jobs in Australia.