The Woolworths Group has partnered with Community Corporate to help refugees with in-demand technology skills create a career pathway.
Through the partnership, refugees with qualifications and experience from their own countries will be assisted with cadetships that match their own experience, with training certification provided by ServiceNow.
Catherine Hunter, General Manager of Inclusion at Woolworths Group, said the new Refugee Digital and Technology Cadetship program clarifies the incredible value we can create by better integrating our refugee community and recognizing essential skills. they bring to Australia.
“We are committed to being better together and building a workplace where team members from all backgrounds can grow their careers and feel like they belong.
“Since 2018, our supermarket business has accepted more than 200 refugees through our Refugee Employment Program, helping them build new lives and community connections in Australia. Now we’re excited to take a more specialized approach to technology. ”
From July, a group of eight Iraqi and Syrian refugees with technology experience will begin 12-week paid cadetships at Woolworths Group’s three core tech hubs: Group Technology, WooliesX Technology, and WiQ data analytics team.
A total of 30 refugees are expected to complete cadets in the Woolworths Group over the next 18 months.
“These candidates are highly qualified. It’s not just about social responsibility, it’s a strategic program to engage underutilized technological talent in fields where demand has never been greater – and we are grateful for their contribution to our business, ”Hunter said.
Carmen Garcia, CEO of Community Corporate, said the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that within two years of arrival, only 25 per cent of refugees were in employment.
“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.
“We believe there is a lot of talent of refugees there, and the Woolworths Group is at the forefront of the charge of using the skills, experience and passion that refugees bring to their new home country to address our country’s skill gaps.”
Related