Building confidence and employment opportunities
The Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) is thinking outside the box when it comes to training and skill development for people looking for work.
The RAES has been developed to support job seekers to build their skills in areas they want to learn and develop, matching them with activities and training opportunities that are relevant.
Dennis Jones, from Darwin, is participating in the RAES with provider Ironbark and learning how to use a computer. Dennis has previously worked with machinery and welcomes the opportunity to learn something new.
“I’m learning how to use the computers and really enjoying it. I’ve learnt how to use an email, which I’ve never used before,” he says.
“Learning how to use a computer is very handy to have behind me, in the future I could email someone about a job that’s coming up.”
Jane Treloar from Humpty Doo is also participating in the RAES with Ironbark, and is learning about 3D printing, engraving, design work and screen printing while at the same time completing her business course.
“I’m learning a skill set – things that I haven’t previously had the opportunity to learn,” she says.
“I hope these new skills will lead to employment. In the afternoons I work on my business course, I would like to learn how to sell things at the markets.”
Jane knows what’s it’s like finding employment while trying to develop up her skills at the same time. She also acknowledges how important it is for job seekers to get the right support from their employment service provider.
“First starting out, using the laser engravers was a bit of a daunting process - not really knowing the machines at all to having to learn how the programs and the software worked.”
“I built up my confidence enough to be able to play around and try different settings. I feel a lot more confident now and I know the supervisors will help me if I get stuck on something.”
The RAES is designed to cater to different experiences and unique needs of job seekers. Training is tailored to suit the individual job seeker, supporting different pathways to employment. The service operates in RAES regions, working with job seekers in remote Australia to find meaningful employment, including through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.
More information
Find out more about the RAES at www.niaa.gov.au/remote-jobs.