Refugees with in-demand tech skills will dive into a paid cadet program initiated by the Woolworths Group.
Refugees with tech qualifications and experience often find it difficult to get work without prior work experience in Australia.
A 12-week paid Refugee Digital and Technology Cadetship Program will train eight Iraqi and Syrian refugees across Woolworths Group’s Technology, WooliesX Technology and WiQ data analytics teams.
The program was created in partnership with a diversity and inclusion firm, Community Corporate that will match refugees with cadets based on their skills, training, education and certification provided by ServiceNow.
Catherine Hunter, Woolworths Group GM of inclusion, said: “This program clarifies the incredible value we can make by better integrating our refugee community and recognizing the important skills they bring to Australia. “
He added that this is a strategic program that will build “underutilised” tech talents in fields where there is a need.
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, only 25 per cent of refugees find work within the first two years of their arrival in Australia.
Carmen Garcia, CEO of Community Corporate said: “Now is the time to try an alternative path for the industry to access a skilled worker by unleashing the untapped potential of our refugees.”
The program is expected to include 30 refugee cadets in the Woolworths Group over the next 18 months. When the cadet is finished, participants will be placed in a permanent position.