Some of the reasons for the barriers faced by migrant women to find work and their chosen careers in Australia include confidence in the ability to apply and interview for a job due to English being their second language and understanding the Australian work context in terms of HR, work practices, and forms of communication.
Integreat Queensland’s Get Work Ready program initiative helps local people not only understand the Australian workplace and their rights and responsibilities, but also helps develop skills, gain qualifications, and provide direct assistance to enter and stay in the workforce.
Princess Aira Razon completed her bachelor’s degree in IT in the Philippines and worked as an Admin Assistant at a hotel for one year before moving to Australia with her family.
“When I arrived in Australia, I wanted to find a job and utilise my skills to be able to give back to my parents,” Princess told Integreat Queensland.
After arriving in Australia, Princess worked as a retail assistant and a mobile phone technician however, she really wanted to find another job but believed she didn’t have the qualifications needed to start a new career.
“My brother told me Integreat Queensland had a program for migrant women that could help me change my career by matching my interests and skills and assist me by boosting my confidence in communicating with others.”
Funded by the Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Women’s Leadership and Development Program with the objective to improve outcomes for Australian women, Princess said the Get Work Ready program was the first step in finding a new career and going back to what she really loved doing.
“During the program I learned a lot from writing a resume to interviewing skills and tips, my rights as an employee, and other employment-related topics, including the modern awards system. Most importantly however, I got to experience a proper job interview in a group and just by myself.”
Once the initial training program ended, Princess entered into a 12-week work placement matching her skills and desired career with Natalie Petersen from Evolve HR Solutions, a human resource coaching and services business that empowers growth and development while fostering the health and wellbeing of staff for a committed, productive workforce.
“When I started my first day with Natalie, she really welcomed me and it felt like we had known each other for a long time,” Princess said.
“I’ve attended a couple business expos and she has taught me about different online platforms, administration duties, and how small businesses connect with each other and help the community. Working with Natalie has not only taught me new skills but more importantly, allowed me to gain my confidence again.
If you would like to join the next Get Work Ready program in Gladstone or Rockhampton, call Integreat Queensland on 4903 1931 or email admin@integreatqld.org.au
Picture: Princess with Natalie Petersen from Evolve HR Solutions at the Gladstone Business Expo.
