The Andrews Labor Government is connecting Aboriginal Victorians to new employment opportunities in community health care services through the Working for Victoria initiative.

Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford announced that up to 110 Aboriginal people will be supported to secure traineeships and six additional workers will coordinate the program and provide mentor support.

The program will offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in pursuing a career in the community health services sector with the opportunity to work full-time while developing essential workplace skills.

Trainees will undertake training in accredited courses in areas including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care, community services and business administration, and receive important cultural mentorship and guidance as they progress within the workplace.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) will run the Aboriginal Traineeships Program with workers to be engaged at VACCHO-affiliated bodies.

The traineeship program aims to create viable career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and build the capacity of eligible services to provide culturally-appropriate healthcare to community members.

Since launching in April, the $500 million Working for Victoria initiative has created more than 10,000 jobs, including partnering with 44 community service organisations to create over 1,500 positions.

This includes partnering with 30 Aboriginal groups including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Traditional Owner Groups and creative arts organisations to create over 240 new jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford

“Working for Victoria has created many worthwhile jobs over the past seven months, but none more than these ones.”

“These new opportunities provide a pathway combining work with relevant training while delivering tremendous benefits to local communities.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams

“We’re creating career pathways for Aboriginal Victorians and increasing the number of skilled people who can provide culturally appropriate health care.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation CEO Jill Gallagher

“The aim of this program is to support Victorian ACCOs to increase their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander skilled workforce, and to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to obtain a qualification and a sustainable career in support within their community.”