Being employed not only helps to provide financial stability, it also provides a sense of purpose and nurtures connections to community. The Australian Refugee Association (ARA) provides pre-employment and employment-readiness support. We deliver programs designed to help new arrivals navigate Australia's employment systems. Workshops and individual sessions from advice on where to look for jobs and crafting a cover letter. We can also provide information on training opportunities, volunteering, and work experience placements. We also hold a regular learner's licence preparation course.
CASEWORK AND INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
An ARA caseworker with a dedicated focus on employment pathways can provide orientation to employment in Australia with information and advice on Australia’s employment systems and environment. For clients seeking to have their qualifications recognised in Australia or to gain new qualifications, ARA can provide advocacy and information.

We also offer tailored assistance with employment searching and an ARA caseworker is also able to help clients with each stage of the process. Beginning with information on how to prepare or update a resume and cover letter through to advice on where to look, and assistance with applying or registering interest in a position.

ARA also provides links to work experience or volunteering opportunities that can help clients further develop their skills. This year, ARA has established links with volunteer coordinators in the City of Marion and the City of Holdfast Bay and will be extending these relationships in the coming year.

For clients considering self-employment through a small business, ARA provides practical support such as how to register for an ABN as well as links to other relevant organisations and training opportunities.
WORKSHOPS AND GROUP TRAINING
ARA provides a range of group information sessions with general information about employment pathways and the working environment. Primary among these is a regular series delivered for participants in the new arrivals program at the Thebarton Senior College.

ARA also facilitates access to other training sessions for clients facing access barriers such as language. For example, for clients seeking white card training, ARA has been able to link relevant registered training organisations and interpreting services.
NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIPS
ARA works with a range of other agencies, providing cross-agency referrals both to and from ARA
LEARNER'S TO EMPLOYMENT
ARA’s Learner’s to Employment program recognises the high value that a driver’s licence and driving have for finding and maintaining employment. ARA offers regular courses in learner driver theory tuition for both adults and young people each school holidays. The two days of tuition are carefully tailored to teach participants what they need to know to successfully sit their learner’s test. The courses also cover general information about the workplace, recruitment practices, rights and responsibilities in the workplace, and occupational health and safety. For information on upcoming courses, please see our events page

  • job interview preparation advice

  • locating and applying for jobs online

  • resume and cover letter preparation

  • career and education pathways advice

  • traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities advice and assistance

  • information on employee rights within the workplace

  • Australian workplace culture

  • identification of barriers to employment

  • volunteering and work-like experience opportunities

  • business development information and referrals

  • employment information workshops

Funded by the Department of Social ServicesFunding info