SydWest Multicultural Services recently partnered with SSI-Ability Links and Blacktown City Council to undertake a pilot Employment Accelerator aimed at improving economic outcomes for job seekers from refugee and migrant backgrounds, as well as people with disability, in the Blacktown LGA.
Leaders from the business community participated in the event, including Bolton Clarke, Macarthur Aged Care, Ridley, Hire Up, Thrive Refugee Enterprise, Reach for Training, Max Solutions and Parramatta College.
It was a great opportunity for the employers to better understand some of the barriers migrants and people with disability face.
The event aimed to bring together employers with job-seekers, to assist SydWest’s culturally and linguistically diverse clients to find sustainable employment opportunities, expand their networks and increase their employability chances.
Held at Blacktown Council in early November, the Employment Accelerator had 60 job-seekers enthusiastically prepared to meet employers and accelerate their employment opportunities.
The event included presentations from SydWest’s corporate partners, as well as Blacktown City Council’s Councillor Julie Griffiths, Sean Willenberg of the NSW Business Chamber and Dom Orlando of AbilityLinks.
SydWest has received very positive feedback from the corporate partners involved, as well as the job-seekers, and is already planning further activities for 2018, including a corporate partners breakfast and a second Accelerator event.
The Employment Accererator also showcased the wealth of experience and expertise on SydWest’s doorstep and accelerated the connections necessary for successful employee recruitment.