Canberra

๐Ÿ’ผ

Employment Support

Resources for finding work, understanding employment rights, and job training opportunities.

Sections

1. Employment Support Services in Canberra

Canberra has a variety of services to assist job seekers, including government programs, private agencies, and community organizations. These services cater to different groups, such as recent graduates, skilled migrants, refugees, and people with disabilities.

a. Government-Funded Services

  1. Jobactive

    • Description: A national employment service funded by the Australian Government, Jobactive connects job seekers with employers and provides support to help individuals find and keep a job.
    • Services Offered:
      • Resume writing assistance
      • Job search support
      • Skills training and workshops
      • Wage subsidies for eligible employers hiring job seekers
    • How to Access:
      • Register online at Jobactive or visit a local Jobactive provider in Canberra.
      • You may need a Centrelink referral if you are receiving government benefits.

  2. Skills Canberra

    • Description: The ACT Governmentโ€™s agency responsible for vocational education and training (VET) and skills development.
    • Services Offered:
      • Subsidized training programs
      • Apprenticeships and traineeships
      • Support for upskilling and reskilling
    • How to Access: Visit the Skills Canberra website or contact local training providers.

  3. Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Career Services

    • Description: CIT offers career advice and employment support for students and the general public.
    • Services Offered:
      • Career counseling
      • Job readiness workshops
      • Access to job boards and employer networks
    • How to Access: Visit the CIT Career Services website or contact their office directly.

b. Private Employment Agencies

Canberra has several private recruitment agencies that specialize in connecting job seekers with employers. Some notable agencies include:

  • Hays Recruitment
  • Randstad
  • Adecco
  • Chandler Macleod

These agencies often specialize in specific industries, such as IT, government, construction, or healthcare.

c. Community and Non-Profit Organizations

  1. Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS)

    • Description: MARSS provides tailored support for migrants and refugees, including employment assistance.
    • Services Offered:
      • Job readiness programs
      • English language training
      • Assistance with resume writing and interview preparation
    • How to Access: Contact MARSS directly or visit their office in Canberra.

  2. Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF)

    • Description: CMCF supports culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Canberra.
    • Services Offered:
      • Employment workshops
      • Networking opportunities
      • Advocacy for CALD job seekers
    • How to Access: Visit the CMCF website or attend their events.

  3. Disability Employment Services (DES)

    • Description: DES helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment.
    • Services Offered:
      • Job matching
      • Workplace modifications
      • Ongoing support for employees and employers
    • How to Access: Register through Centrelink or contact a DES provider in Canberra.

2. Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for employment support services in Canberra depends on the type of service and your residency status. Below are the general requirements:

a. Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents

  • Eligible for most government-funded programs, including Jobactive and Skills Canberra.
  • Must meet specific criteria, such as being unemployed or underemployed.

b. Temporary Visa Holders

  • Some services, such as private recruitment agencies, are open to temporary visa holders.
  • Government-funded programs may have restrictions based on visa type.

c. Migrants and Refugees

  • Migrants and refugees on humanitarian visas are eligible for specialized support through MARSS and other community organizations.

d. Students

  • International students can access career services through their educational institutions, such as CIT or universities in Canberra.

e. People with Disabilities

  • Eligible for Disability Employment Services (DES) if they have a diagnosed disability and are seeking work.

3. Associated Costs

  • Government-Funded Services: Free for eligible participants.
  • Private Recruitment Agencies: Free for job seekers (employers pay the fees).
  • Training Programs: Costs vary; some programs are subsidized by the government. For example:
    • CIT courses may cost between AUD 500 and AUD 5,000, depending on the program and eligibility for subsidies.
  • Community Services: Often free or low-cost for migrants, refugees, and disadvantaged groups.

4. Procedures for Accessing Employment Support

Follow these steps to access employment support services in Canberra:

Step 1: Identify Your Needs

  • Determine whether you need help with job searching, skills training, or career counseling.

Step 2: Register with Relevant Services

  • For government programs like Jobactive or DES, register through Centrelink or the programโ€™s website.
  • For private agencies, submit your resume and create a profile on their websites.

Step 3: Attend Workshops or Training

  • Many services offer workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and job readiness.

Step 4: Apply for Jobs

  • Use job boards like Seek, Indeed, and the ACT Government Jobs Portal to find opportunities.

Step 5: Follow Up

  • Stay in touch with your employment service provider for ongoing support and feedback.

5. Local Considerations and Resources

Canberra has a unique job market due to its status as the capital city and the presence of many government agencies. Here are some local considerations:

a. Government Employment

  • A significant portion of Canberraโ€™s workforce is employed in the public sector.
  • Check the APS Jobs Portal for federal government positions.

b. Networking Opportunities

  • Attend local networking events and job fairs, such as those organized by the Canberra Business Chamber or universities.

c. Industry Focus

  • Key industries in Canberra include:
    • Public administration
    • Education and research
    • Healthcare
    • Information technology

d. Local Job Boards

e. Cultural Considerations

  • Canberra is a multicultural city, and employers value diversity.
  • Ensure your resume and cover letter align with Australian standards (e.g., concise format, no photo).

6. Additional Tips

  • English Proficiency: If English is not your first language, consider enrolling in English language courses through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
  • Volunteering: Volunteering can help you gain local experience and build networks. Organizations like VolunteeringACT can connect you with opportunities.
  • Professional Associations: Join industry-specific associations to access job boards, training, and networking events.

By leveraging these resources and understanding the local job market, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to find employment in Canberra. Let me know if you need further assistance!