Twenty-eight migrants to the Sunshine Coast from diverse cultural backgrounds have put their new job-ready skills into action at Sunshine Coast Council’s Migrant Work Ready program graduation and employer networking event held last Friday in Mooloolaba.
It comes after participants completed the eight-week course offering practical tips from professional experts, community organisations and business owners on how to prepare for the local job market and improve prospects of finding employment.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson congratulated the participants for their hard work and efforts.
“We strongly believe in the importance of providing access to opportunities for all members of our community and this program is very much targeted at those residents of our Sunshine Coast who have found their way here from many locations across the globe,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Our award-winning Migrant Work Ready program is now in its third year and is a key example of how our council is working with its partners to deliver on the objectives of our Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041.
“I’m pleased to see 28 people today graduate with the confidence and skills to make a difference to the local job market and add to our skilled and culturally diverse workforce.”
Sunshine Coast Multicultural Advisory Group member Peppi Bueti said recent migrants to the region often faced many challenges in finding jobs.
“They may have a lack of Australian work experience and references,” Mr Bueti said.
“They may have limited social networks and experience language difficulties, and they may not have their skills or qualifications recognised or know where to apply for jobs.
“To see how much of a difference this program makes to these migrants in just a few short months is incredible.”
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said a total of 75 graduates had completed the program since its inception.
“The Sunshine Coast normally welcomes an average of 2700 new migrants per year,” Cr Law said.
“It’s essential we as a community make them feel welcome and embrace their contributions so together we thrive.
“When businesses employ a diverse workforce, it benefits the business, its employees and customers through increased productivity, creativity, the range of skills and improved cultural insights.”
Tina Tsvetanova, 39, migrated from Bulgaria to Alexandra Headland last year with her husband Mike.
Since arriving in Australia, the family has expanded with the birth of their son Martin, one, and in more good news Ms Tsvetanova recently received a job offer in her field after completing the Migrant Work Ready program.
“I was having a hard time finding a job in architecture so I decided to join this program as I felt it would be useful,” Ms Tsvetanova said.
“It was great for networking and connecting with local people from the business community.
“I really liked the networking and the presentations from the guests and facilitators. They were all very interesting and informative.
“We also did some practical work from time to time, such as interviewing and CV writing with mentors.”
The program was delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, Nambour Community Centre, Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce, TAFE Queensland, Volunteering Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance Business Mentor program.
In July, the Federal Government announced Sunshine Coast Council had taken out the Multicultural Australia category in the 2020 National Awards for Local Government.
The awards celebrate the work of local governments in delivering targeted, quality services to local communities.
