LIVING Learning Pakenham has developed a new initiative designed to give English language students the opportunity to undertake a practical work placement.
The Community College has partnered with local businesses and organisations to arrange work placements for students for up to 20 hours.
It will give students the chance to enhance their English language skills and gain valuable experience in an Australian workplace.
CEO Tammy Lobato said the program is complimentary to the theoretical modules learnt for them to become job ready.
“This program enables a new pathway for the increasing migrant and refugee communities establishing themselves in Pakenham and elsewhere in Cardinia that will increase their employability,” Ms Lobato said.
Current students are already gaining theoretical knowledge in preparing themselves for the Australian workforce through the Introduction to Working in Australia course.
Additional financial assistance from the Australian Government Department of Education and the Local Employment Coordinator Flexible Funding Pool (FFP) will now facilitate students in undertaking the real-life work placement which will mimic that of the workforce.
One partnership has seen Living Learning Pakenham join forces with Bunyip Landcare Group to provide migrant job seekers with environmental sustainability education, tree planting and landscaping experience and gardening knowledge.
“We are really happy to be assisting these students,” said President of Bunyip Landcare Group, Sue Anderson.
“We have appreciated the extra help with our many plantings of Southern Brown Bandicoot habitat and shelterbelts,” Ms Anderson said.
“As much as I would like to keep these people to myself, we have organised visits to the farms and other landcare members so that they too, can benefit from the hard work of our new friends who then also obtain a broader experience,” Ms Anderson added.
Additional work placements are in the process of being negotiated with local businesses, which will include experience in office settings, the library, developing skills required in storing and packing and cleaning homes and commercial businesses.
At the completion of the workplace placements students and employers will receive a certificate of participation that will assist students in showcasing their previous experience to future employers.
