A new Malinauskas Government grant program to help more disadvantaged and vulnerable South Australians enter the workforce is now open, set up to support community organisations to teach new skills and tear down employment barriers.
The new fund – ‘Strengthening Inclusive Pathways to Employment’ – provides successful applicants up to $50,000 to deliver projects and programs that build individuals’ confidence and skills needed for employment or volunteering.
The one-off grants, distributed from a total funding pool of up to $1 million, will empower disadvantaged and vulnerable community members to access programs that otherwise may be out of reach – removing systemic barriers and paving the way for these individuals to secure work or receive formal training.
Support is targeted at Aboriginal people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, people who are financially disadvantaged, and rural or remote communities.
Organisations are encouraged to apply for funding in a range of fields, including:
* Digital connectivity and capability, such as Wi-Fi in regional and remote areas, IT equipment for training and digital literacy.
* Equipment to support on-the-job training.
* Learner driver programs.
* Accessible or adaptive resources.
* Improving building access including installation of handrails and bathroom modifications.
Eligible groups include Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises that are currently certified with Social Traders.
The initiative builds on the existing Federal training and support offered through the Commonwealth’s Jobs and Skills Australia or National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Applications for the new fund are now open and will close on 3 April 2024.
Learn more and apply online at dhs.sa.gov.au/how-we-help/grants/available-grants.
Quotes
Attributable to Nat Cook
Establishing more inclusive pathways to employment is vital for South Australians who are already struggling and often face additional barriers trying to crack the jobs market.
With historically low unemployment, employers and volunteer organisations are calling out for people with better skills and who are ready to help their community.
Through these grants, we’re helping the sector to pave the way for disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community to find work or meaningfully volunteer.
It’s about diversifying the workforce and tearing down employment barriers to give everyone the chance to succeed.
We want to ensure organisations have the capacity to deliver initiatives that make a difference and are open to those wanting to learn new skills.
Attributable to Volunteering SA/NT CEO Hamilton Calder
Volunteering SA/NT has been championing volunteering and supporting people and organisations in the volunteer community for 40 years.
Through our work in the sector, we know disadvantaged and vulnerable community members face additional challenges in accessing programs that help them with the skills required for volunteering and employment.
We welcome this new grant program as it will increase the capacity of the sector to deliver important first steps to help individuals get started on the pathway to gaining valuable skills for volunteering and employment. This will not only help the individuals taking part, but in turn will make a difference to the lives of more South Australians.
