THE Australian Employment Covenant, an initiative led by Fortescue Metals Group chief Andrew Forrest and operating under chief executive Rhonda Parker, has further developed its ‘learn or earn policy’ with the recent signing of WA-based Skill Hire as a member organisation.
One of the state’s largest apprentice training groups, Skill Hire has committed to employing a further 95 indigenous Australians over the next two years as part of its agreement with the AEC.
Skill Hire director Tony Fitzpatrick said joining the AEC was a continuation of the company’s focus on providing training and employment services for indigenous people.
“It was a major focus for us when we started Skill Hire 15 years ago and has continued to be something we put a lot of emphasis on,” he said.
“We are really pleased to be part of the Australian Employment Covenant and the goal to give people the ability to reach their potential and provide a clear pathway to jobs for people who are prepared to work.”
The AEC is developing a holistic approach to ending the cycle of unemployment of indigenous Australians, offering educational support programs for school-age students in preparation for tertiary training or employment and mentoring programs to those placed in jobs or training programs through the AEC.
“As an organisation that specialises in providing training and employment, it is particularly important for us to support Indigenous development throughout WA,” Mr Fitzpatrick said, echoing the government’s contributions in coordinating and facilitating training to the appropriate job standards of the employing industry.
