In April, the NSW Government and MBA signed an Industry-based agreement (IBA) to work together to create sustainable economic development and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people. The 4 new Aboriginal apprentices who have started work with the MBA take the total number to 13.
MBA implemented an Action Plan that has supported:
- The recruitment and retention of 13 Aboriginal apprentices and trainees
- Aboriginal cultural awareness workshops to enhance employees’ knowledge about Aboriginal history and customs;
- The development of factsheets for Aboriginal apprentices on National Employment Standards, work experience and career progression;
- MBA’s attendance at 3 V-TEC apprentice recruitment courses; and
- An Aboriginal Participation in Construction Survey sent to 8,000 members to identify barriers to employment retention and procurement from Aboriginal enterprises.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello said government needs to capitalise on the State’s growing construction industry to create greater employment opportunities for young Aboriginal people.
“The most recent CommSec State of State’s report showed NSW leading the nation on new housing construction with 34,697 new homes approved in Sydney last year. ABS data for October also showed 17,300 jobs created in NSW”, Mr Dominello said.
“We must seize on our State’s strong economic position to recruit and train more young Aboriginal people for construction jobs - and that’s exactly what we are seeking to do through this partnership with MBA.”
Information about Industry-based Agreements and other OCHRE initiatives can be found on the Aboriginal Affairs website.
Photo (L to R) - Dylan Davies (Apprentice Carpenter), Andrew Dargan (Apprentice Carpenter), Minister Dominello, Renee McKeown (Legal Assistant – Business Trainee) and Nicole Daws (Administrative Assistant – Business Trainee).
