The Victorian Government offers programs that connect communities with meaningful work and pathways for advancement.
DGS’s Women Leading Locally supported the government’s goal of achieving 50% women councillors and mayors in local government by 2025. Delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia in partnership with Women for Election and Politics in Colour, the program engaged 125 people, 53% of whom were women identified as having at least one diversity characteristic, including 37 women from multicultural backgrounds and 5 First Peoples women. Overall, 39 graduates contested the 2024 elections, with 18 successfully elected to council (DGS: $15,000 in 2024–25).
DPC’s VACAP Employment Brokers program funds 8 community-based employment brokers to provide tailored support, education and training to jobseekers. In 2024–25 more than 630 people received one-on-one employment support and more than 170 people secured a job. Over 50% of participants were between 15 and 24 years old
(DPC: $951,000 in 2024–25).
DTP’s Engineering Pathways Industry Cadetship program aims to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce on Big Build major transport infrastructure projects through entry-level employment pathways.
The program employs engineers exclusively from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Over 18 months, cadets undertake full-time employment with a participating employer and complete part-time study with Swinburne University, completing a postgraduate Graduate Certificate in Infrastructure Engineering Management.
The most recent program began in October 2024, with cadets representing 15 countries of origin. A 2024 social valuation report outlined a social value of $8 million generated by the program.
Fifteen participants who started in October 2024 are on track to complete the program in April 2026 (DTP: $250,000 in 2024–25).
Case study – Employment Brokers program
The Employment Brokers program, which is part of the Victorian African Communities Action Plan, supports community organisations to deliver culturally aware employment and job readiness programs for African Victorians.
Anne,* a 49-year-old mother of a large family, faced overwhelming challenges at work and home. After losing her job in the disability sector and struggling with financial pressures, she turned to the program for support.
The broker worked with Anne to address key barriers such as understanding her contract, improving her confidence when job searching and expanding her access to resources.
With tailored support, Anne gained a clearer understanding of her rights and responsibilities, learned how to navigate Centrelink support and updated her résumé.
Anne also set short-term and long-term goals to secure a new job and build her skills through study. She gained valuable experience by volunteering at a local church and in January 2024 started work with another employer. As part of her journey, Anne organised a women’s group to support other people in similar situations and enrolled in further study.
Today, Anne is thriving in her new role and now her son uses the Employment Brokers program to develop his professional skill set. This story highlights the transformative impact of personalised support, helping Victorians break through barriers and build brighter futures that align with their career aspirations.
*Name changed to protect the person’s identity
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