Equip
Equip! is a youth mentoring program for culturally diverse young people in the Geelong region. It is funded by the Department of Employment through the Empowering Youth Initiative.
Equip aims to help young people from a refugee background (aged 16 to 24 years) to develop their understanding of work, and consider their own strengths and interests. Young people participate in introductory training about vocational guidance, career planning, job search training.
The program aims to match all participants with a mentor to offer individual support, and to offer work experience and support to volunteer. Many young people have developed a better understanding of the opportunities in Geelong, and have extended their professional and community networks.
Young people have made these comments about Equip and working with their mentors:
- “I am more comfortable with talking to people inside and outside of the program”
- “My resume is good now and I can go to interview”
- “Coming to Equip! I learnt how to work in a team”
- “It is a good program for young people to get to know and have experience of the things they need for their future”
Interested in becoming a mentor? Can your organisation help?
Mentors come from a wide range of career and industry backgrounds, and use their life skills to support a young person research their interest and possible career paths. Mentors come from diverse employment and both employed and retired.
We look for the following attributes in our Mentors:
- Positive attitude towards young people; and willingness to work in a culturally sensitive, welcoming and positive manner
- General understanding of the workplace and expectations in Australia (your professional or community networks may also be able to help a young person with related experiences)
- Availability to meet regularly with a young person on a weekly basis during a six month program (times negotiable)
- Willingness to work with the Equip Team and other mentors.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about the Equip! Program, or enquire about being a mentor or participant, please contact us.
Jill Rush
Phone: (03) 5221 6044
Email: equip@diversitat.org.au
Job Options for Asylum Seekers
Job Options for Asylum Seekers is an initiative of Diversitat, and is funded by the William Buckland Foundation. The purpose of the program is to assist asylum seekers living in Greater Geelong and Colac into work, support employers to grow and diversify their workforce, and foster social benefit and inclusion in workplace communities.
The Job Options Program has a unique approach to employment, spending time with potential employees, and also employers to learn about their business and to understand the requirements of their particular workplaces.
We recognise that employers want candidates to have certain skills for a job, and who are genuinely motivated to work. As part of the Program, we work with employers to provide recruitment and work placement opportunities.
What we offer
- Work-ready candidates, each with a bank account, tax file number and work visa
- Trained candidates who have the appropriate skill level and type of skills
- Assistance to help employers meet their corporate social responsibility requirements
- More diversity in workplaces, leading to improved staff engagement and retention
Note, we are not a Job Services Australia provider – all of our candidates choose to work and register with us.
Benefits to employers
- Professional staffing solutions, free of charge to both employers and job seekers
- Suitably qualified candidates for full time, part time, contract and casual positions throughout Greater Geelong
- Ongoing workplace support for employers and employees once a position has been filled
- Relevant working visa checks and tax file numbers for all candidates prior to placement
- The opportunity to enhance the diversity of your workplace whilst providing hope and financial stability to someone in need
- The Job Options service invests significant resources in each placement to ensure a successful match
Contact Us
For further information or to organise a company visit to discuss your staffing needs, contact:
Rachel Parker
Phone: (03) 5221 6044
Reconnect
Getting a job can be tough. But we know that having a qualification does help. Reconnect provides young people with free one-on-one mentoring and guidance to help them succeed in study and training, to get a job. No matter what a young person is interested in, we will guide them through the process of applying for a course that they like, and support them throughout their study.
The Reconnect Program also helps young people look for work, and assists them to address any unmet needs to keep them on track to completing their studies.
Benefit for participants
- Free weekly/fortnightly one-on-one mentoring and guidance
- Assessment of learning and non-learning needs
- Identification of interest, strengths and career goals
- Development of an agreed learning plan
- Ongoing support to enrol in and complete accredited training
- Guidance to gain employment
Eligibility
Reconnect is a youth focused program for young people who are:
15 to 24 year old
Did not complete Year 12 or equivalent
Not currently studying
Not in full-time employment
OR
20 to 24 year old
Year 12 Graduates
Unemployed for more than 12 months.
Under-employed (part-time/casual) for more than 12 months.
Contact Us
Adam Fratantaro
Phone: (03) 5223 3222
Address: Old Post Office, 33 Ryrie Street, Geelong
Email: reconnect@diversitat.org.au
