The Parkinson Review into skilled migration was publicly released on 26 April 2023. Chaired by former Treasury Secretary Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, the damning review concluded that Australia’s migration system was badly broken and in need of major structural reform.
The review cites that 44% of qualified permanent migrants in Australia, equating to about 620,000 people, are working below their skill level. Parkinson states that we are ‘wasting human capital on an industrial scale, in an economy that cannot afford to do so’.
Initiated by Sydney East Community College in July 2016, the Mentor Program works to address this issue of ‘brain waste’ and skills underutilisation by upskilling and supporting migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum as they navigate the employment market and transition into the Australian workplace.
Since inception, the program has connected jobseekers with volunteer mentors from professional settings, 70% of those candidates achieving professional work within six months. In addition to individual mentoring and guidance, candidates participate in upskilling courses specifically designed to address their needs, job search webinars facilitated by specialist workplace professionals, mock interview and engagement opportunities hosted by our corporate supporters, and confidence and connection building networking events.
The Mentor Program is central to Sydney East Community College’s charitable purpose. We do not charge program participants a fee. None of the work of the program would be possible without the generous and enthusiastic support of our skilled professional volunteer mentors, corporate, local government and not-for-profit supporters, a remarkable band of tireless and skilled volunteers enabling us to deliver events, and donors. We have many stories of success made possible by the collective efforts of our program supporters. We thank them for their continuing connection to the Mentor Program and its work.
We have many stories where success is yet to be found. These are the real human stories of those still looking for work. We recognise and are grateful for the unique skills, motivation, persistence and determination present in these stories; qualities that employers want, not easily taught. This is where the work of the Mentor Program starts.
The Mentor Program team and dedicated group of volunteers, supporters and donors is committed to helping participants build meaningful and sustainable professional lives in Australia.
Because the Mentor Program is small and resource constrained, and the need is so large, eligibility criteria apply for Mentors and Mentees.
Please contact us for more information or to get involved.
Embrace this opportunity to share knowledge and grow together in a supportive environment. Unlock your professional potential and redefine your future with the SECC Mentor Program.
