Corporates join NSW government to help refugees, asylum seekers get jobs

Major Australian corporations and businesses will support a new $27 million NSW government program to help up to 6000 refugees and 1000 asylum seekers get jobs.

AMP Foundation helped develop the new refugee employment support program which is supported by Telstra, Harvey Norman, NRMA, Australia Post, First State Super, Business Council of Australia, Clubs NSW, Crescent Wealth, Henry Davis York, IAG, Master Builders Association of NSW and TransUrban.

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NSW Coordinator-General for Refugee Resettlement Peter Shergold said the state government has committed $6.83 million per year over the next four years to help refugees and asylum seekers move into the skilled workforce.

The overall package includes the $22 million Refugee Employment Support Program.

The refugee employment support program aims to help develop career plans for individuals and link them with employers and training.

The state government will on Monday announce that Settlement Services International has won the contract to deliver the four-year program which will offer internships, scholarships, training and pilot mentoring programs.

"Both the government and the corporate sectors involved have shown great leadership by committing to train, mentor and employ refugees, who in turn bring new skills and experiences to these workplaces," Professor Shergold said.

The state government has committed to employing at least 100 refugees in public service jobs.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the government would also deliver fee-free vocational training.

"The Refugee Employment Support Program will help up to 6000 refugees and 1000 asylum seekers develop career plans to find a meaningful job, which is a vital step in helping to grow their local communities," Mr Barilaro said.

The NRMA is helping refugees get a driver's licence with two driver education programs - one in Western Sydney and another in the Illawarra. 

NRMA Director David Bentham said NRMA will also help newly arrived refugees who have motor mechanic skills get work experience. 

 "Our aim is to deliver practical everyday skills that will assist participants in securing sustainable and meaningful employment," he said.

NRMA Director Marisa Mastroianni said NRMA was proud to be helping refugees settle and giving them the "skills, knowledge and confidence they need to drive safely on Australian roads.

Steve Hill, general manager human resources for First State Super said the refugee employment program would benefit the broader community and add diversity to the workplace.

"Our commitment to date has centred around providing refugee internships which give refugees experience on working within the Australian work environment. Upon arrival, many refugees struggle to both understand and gain a foothold in the employment market in Australia and programs such as these ease this process," Mr Hill said. 

"First State Super's first intern joined us in September 2016 as part of our Technology team in Sydney. He has a Bachelor of Science (Software Engineering) from Al-Mansour University in Baghdad, Iraq. He settled in so well, and added such value to the team, that we were delighted to offer him a full-time position."

Telstra said it valued diversity and recognised that newly arrived refugees "bring with them enormous potential" but often needed support to achieve it.

"Telstra is working to develop programs to help refugees to make better transitions into the Australian workforce," a company statement said.

Henry Davis York said many refugees needed support to overcome language, social and employment barriers. It offers pro bono and community programs to help create job opportunities.

Crescent Wealth is partnering with Western Sydney University to provide educational scholarships for refugee students.

"This will assist refugees to acquire Australian standard education and seamlessly integrate into the Australian workforce and society," it said.

ClubsNSW is providing up to 30 long-term job opportunities for settled and job-ready refugees at registered clubs in the Greater Western Sydney region through a new pilot program and Australia Post is providing work experience opportunities. 

AMP Foundation Manager Helen Liondos said AMP had helped develop the new program and will contribute financially to help it expand.  

"The AMP Foundation is committed to improving employment opportunities for people facing barriers," she said.