ATSI GRADUATES SECURE PERMANENT PS JOBS

Chief Minister and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Jon Stanhope, today presented certificates to 13 graduates of the ACT Government's 2010 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traineeship Program.

"The program has seen 13 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people complete a 12 month training and mentoring program and securing permanent employment with the ACT public service," Mr Stanhope said.

"Each graduate from this unique program has been successful in achieving their own personal and academic goals over the last year, building skills and confidence as they begin their public service career."

The traineeship program is designed to assist unemployed Indigenous people gain a Certificate 2 or 3 in Government Business. By working in an ACT Government agency while they study, they achieve a range of skill sets that prepare them for the workplace.

"The practical skills learned will prove useful throughout their lives and as they provide their perspective into future ACT Government policies and services," Mr Stanhope said.

"The next 12 months will see the graduates develop further confidence through an extended training package to provide encouragement and continue their skills development."

Mr Stanhope said he was proud that the traineeship program, which began in 2007, contributed to closing the employment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

"The knowledge and experience these graduates have gained has given them the confidence to successfully move into permanent employment," Mr Stanhope said.

"I offer my sincere congratulations to all graduates and I wish them a long and successful career in the ACT Public Service."

Media Contact:

Chantelle Lustri 6205 2775 0434 560 770 chantelle.lustri@act.gov.au
Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au