Successful transitions into the labour market for equity groups

For many groups entry into the labour market is marred by cumulative barriers however, labour market programs for those disadvantaged in the labour market are funded and designed to combat these barriers. This paper presents data from successful labour market programs (Certificate III in Hospitality and Certificate II Security Operations) conducted by a regional volunteer-based multicultural organisation in central Queensland.

Findings from these programs are explored in terms of outcomes for equity groups with a focus on gender, age, education level, non English speaking background (NESB), Indigenous status and length of unemployment prior to the program. Data was collected for a total of 80 participants from across five programs. Of these participants, 94 per cent (n=75) were female, 29 per cent (n=23) were considered mature aged (45 years of age or over), five per cent (n=4) of participants' highest level of education was below Year 10, 74 per cent (n=59) of all participants were from non English speaking backgrounds (NESB), eight participants (10 per cent) were Indigenous Australians, and all participants were unemployed before the commencement of the programs with 29 per cent (n=23) having been long term unemployed prior to commencement of the labour market programs. The programs were relatively short in nature; however, the employment outcomes were significant and are testament to the success of community-based labour market programs conducted by organisations with sound working knowledge of issues facing equity groups.

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