Young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds have a world of experience, but some need support to translate that to the workplace.
A job is vital for young people to become financially independent, but it also helps to provide a sense of belonging, community, and self-worth.
Employment Empowers provides that vital first step for young people looking to secure meaningful employment and fulfill their potential. By supporting young people through direct employment opportunities, traineeships, and workplace experience, we enable participants to build invaluable networks and form the building blocks for their working life.
The program engages volunteers with Australian work experience and skills to share, to work 1:1 with young people in the program. Our volunteers act as mentors, helping program participants to become job ready and to find employment.
We also partner with employers to match business needs with young job-seekers who are keen to work and able to make a valuable contribution to their workplace.
I’m a young person looking for work
Young people in the Employment Empowers program are supported by CMY staff and matched with volunteer mentors who have years of Australian work experience. The program can help you with looking for work, writing a job application, and finding employment, a traineeship, or a paid work placement opportunity. Find out more here.
Download Tips for Standing Out as a Jobseeker.
Watch our Career Convo webinar sessions for tips from professionals.
I’m an employer looking for staff
Are you an employer looking to…
- Access talented and skilled job applicants to find the right staff for your business needs.
- Provide an opportunity for a young person with different strengths but the same aspirations.
- Increase cultural diversity and cultural understandings in your workplace.
- Receive ongoing support after initial placement to ensure lasting employability.
The Employment Empowers program can connect you with young people who are work-ready and highly motivated. Hiring a young person from a refugee or migrant background is a good way to bring new skills and different ideas in to your workplace, invest in employees who are eager to give back, and increase cultural diversity.
Download Employment Empowers publication
If you are looking for staff or would like to chat further about the program and the work we do, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!
I’m looking to volunteer
Employment Empowers volunteer mentors come from all walks of life, and their role is to support and empower young people towards securing employment, pursuing their career goals, and developing a better understanding of Australian workplace culture.
Volunteer Position Description
Please download and read the Volunteer Position Description before applying.
What are the time commitments?
As a volunteer mentor with the Employment Empowers program, you will be matched with a young person and provide 1:1 support over a 12-month period. Initially, this will involve weekly face-to-face contact with your mentee and regular follow-up over the phone.
What do volunteer mentors do?
Mentors share their work, study and life experiences in Australia with their mentee. You will offer practical guidance and support in how to create a resume, apply for jobs, and prepare for interviews. Mentors act as role models to the young people in the program; helping to expand their social and professional networks and inspire their career aspirations.
What do volunteer mentors get out of the program?
Volunteers have a unique opportunity to make a really positive difference in a young person’s life. Many find the chance to learn about their mentee’s different cultural background and life experience is an eye-opening and rewarding part of the role. Volunteers have the opportunity to share the knowledge that they have gained through their work experiences, with someone who is really eager to learn. The Employment Empowers team holds regular volunteer catch-up events and provides ongoing support and professional development opportunities for mentors in the program.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for people from a wide range of cultural, professional and trade backgrounds with varied work experience in Australia and a good understanding of the job-seeking process. Volunteers need to be able to commit to volunteering for at least 12 months. It is vital that you have an interest in supporting young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds and that you approach your role as a mentor with enthusiasm, patience, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine passion to see your mentee thrive.