The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, today welcomed congratulated 34 graduates of an Indigenous training and employment program in Melbourne.

The program was delivered by the Replay Group and was funded under the Australian Government’s Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP).

At a graduation ceremony today Mr O’Connor said 30 graduates had gone on to find employment with another undertaking further studies.

Graduates undertook training at a Certificate III level in Aged Care Work, Home and Community Care, Child Care or Welding as well as relevant work experience.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony in Melbourne, Mr O’Connor praised the efforts of both the students and project co-ordinators.

“The success of the program has been demonstrated by the majority of participants successfully transitioning into employment or further studies, which is an outstanding result,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Unfortunately the unemployment rate for Indigenous Australians is around three times higher than for non-Indigenous Australians.

“The Australian Government has committed to halving the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment within a decade and projects such as this one make an important contribution to that effort.

The Government is also working with Australia’s major corporations as part of the Australian Employment Covenant proposal to provide 50,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians.

 “Employment is one of the foundations of social inclusion, financial independence and personal fulfilment and programs such as this will help participants to work towards their future.”