Multicultural Australia’s Work & Welcome program is a Multicultural Australia initiative and connects jobseekers of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds with Queensland schools, businesses, and government bodies to build a more inclusive and capable workforce.
The program started at Brisbane's Padua College and has now evolved to more than 40 Work & Welcome Host Partners that include schools, government and corporate.
Multicultural Australia identifies program candidates and finds placements based on their strengths, career goals and the needs of partner organisations.
The program includes work preparation and assessment of candidates, shortlisting and screening of candidates and tailored cultural support to employers for the duration of the paid placement (minimum 12 weeks). In that period, candidates grow their knowledge and skills in the Australian context, build meaningful connections and gain the needed confidence to progress their career, building their sense of hope and belonging.
The Benefits of Work & Welcome Program to host organisations are:
- Access to a diverse, motivated, and talented pool of candidates with a wide range of experience, knowledge, and skills;
- Work with candidates who bring unique perspectives, problem solving skills and resilience;
- Recognition as a Work & Welcome partner with Multicultural Australia with access to Multicultural Australia cultural events, corporate volunteering, and networking events;
- Visibility on our website, social channels and in relevant promotional material.
How can I find out more?
To become a host organisation of Multicultural Australia's Work & Welcome program, we encourage you to contact us to discuss the opportunity and options available.
Email us at [email protected] or call on 07 3337 5400.
Anyone can donate to our Work & Welcome program and help support someone secure their first employment opportunity:
Prince's story
"Thank you so much Multicultural Australia for everything you have done for me. In 2021 I joined Queensland Rail, one of the best companies, and I couldn't have done it without your support. I was just a young African guy who just came from Africa with big dreams but knew nothing about Australia. After all you have done for me, ''thanks'' doesn't feel like enough. All I can do is offer you my gratitude and appreciation for your support. Thank you."
Prince Niyonzima
Work & Welcome participant - Queensland Rail
Work & Welcome host
“Queensland Rail has partnered with Multicultural Australia over the last seven years to support the Work & Welcome program and we’ve had a lot of success providing both a training opportunity to vulnerable people within our community, whilst gaining talented, dedicated and passionate people who are keen to learn and progress. There are many benefits for our teams and we have received a lot of positive feedback from both our employees and participants."
Tony Gurowski
Manager Station Customer Service Delivery
Work & Welcome host organisation
