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How does Workforce Australia help First Nations peoples?

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First Nations job seekers can access tailored employment support through
Workforce Australia.

This guide explains how Workforce Australia supports First Nations peoples to find and keep meaningful work.

Workforce Australia is a government funded, free employment service for all Australians. 

First Nations Australians can access culturally appropriate specialist services through APM Employment Services or other registered Workforce Australia providers.

If you're unemployed but ready to work, Workforce Australia can help you prepare for work, find appropriate job opportunities and work towards your career goals.

Get started with a referral from Centrelink or speak with APM directly to see how we can best support you.

How does Workforce Australia help First Nations peoples find work?

Career planning and advice

When you become a participant of Workforce Australia, you'll get one-on-one support from an employment consultant. Your employment consultant will take time to understand your goals, challenges and needs when it comes to work. Then they'll work with you to create a tailored employment plan that's right for you.

If you're not sure what type of work you want to do or what kinds of jobs are available in your area, an employment consultant can provide advice and guidance. They can also help you figure out how you can work towards your long term career goals, access workplace experience and gain job-ready skills.

Workforce Australia for First Nations peoples is designed to address gaps in mainstream employment services and provide culturally appropriate support.

The type of support you get is completely tailored to your situation and your goals. Whether you're a recent school leaver, an older Australian looking to change careers or a parent thinking about getting back into work – you'll get the support that's right for you.

Your Workforce Australia provider can help with:

  • Career planning and advice
  • Pre-employment services
  • Searching and applying for jobs
  • Accessing additional services and funding
  • Support to succeed in your new job

Pre-employment services

Pre-employment services help you get ready for the workplace by building your skills, experience and confidence.

Pre-employment services include things like:

  • Work experience – where you can gain skills and experience to put on your resume. You can also use work experience to try out different job types and industries you're interested in.
  • Work for the Dole – opportunities to develop skills and experience for work while helping your community and meeting your employment support payment obligations.
  • Accredited training – access training and gain employment skills to help you become job ready.
  • Licences and qualifications – gain work-related licences and micro-qualifications and access funding if needed.
  • Job search skills – get practical help searching for job opportunities in your area using online and offline methods.

Searching and applying for jobs

You'll get practical help searching for job opportunities and putting
your best foot forward when applying for jobs.

Your employment consultant can help with things like:

  • Finding appropriate job opportunities
  • Writing and tailoring your resume and cover letter
  • Applying for jobs and writing job applications
  • Preparing for job interviews

Additional services and funding

Your Workforce Australia provider can help you discover and access additional services that might help with your job search.

Additional services could include things like:

  • Mental health services
  • Links to community-based support services
  • Funding for work-related licences and qualifications
  • Funding for workplace accommodations such as tools and uniforms
  • Mentoring for starting your own business (Self-Employment Assistance)

Succeeding in your new job

In addition to helping you find work, Workforce Australia Services will help you get the support you need to succeed in your new role.

That might be short term support to help you feel confident about the transition. It might involve helping you access accommodations to do your job well. Or it could be more significant ongoing support.

If you become injured, ill or experience a disability and need ongoing support to stay in work, your employment consultant can help you access the relevant services such as Disability Employment Services.

How to access Workforce Australia for First Nations Australians

You can access Workforce Australia through Centrelink.

  • If you're receiving an employment support payment from Centrelink, you might be referred to Workforce Australia Online where you can self-manage your job search.
  • If you want or need additional support, you may be referred to a Workforce Australia Services provider such as APM Employment Services. Your provider will give you one-on-one tailored support to find and keep a job.

APM is a Specialist Service provider of Workforce Australia, offering employment services specific for First Nations peoples. Our services are funded by the government and are completely free for you.