From July, a group of eight Iraqi and Syrian refugees with technology experience will embark on 12-week paid cadetships across
Refugees with qualifications and experience from their own countries often struggle to obtain employment without prior work experience in
Cloud computing company
With the technology sector
'We're committed to being better together and building a workplace where team members from all backgrounds can grow their career and feel they belong.
'Since 2018, our supermarkets business has welcomed more than 200 refugees through our Refugee Employment Program, helping them build new lives and community connections in
'These candidates are immensely qualified. This isn't only about social responsibility, this is a strategic program to engage underutilised tech talent in fields where demand has never been greater - and we're grateful for their contribution to our business.'
Community Corporate CEO,
'As a result, the
'Now is the time to trial an alternative pathway for industry to access a skilled workforce by unleashing the untapped potential of our refugees.
'We believe there is an abundance of refugee talent out there, and
The inaugural group of cadets has already met with
The cadetships span the three core tech hubs within
Group Technology: The engine behind business critical operational and corporate technology infrastructure which supports
WooliesX: Woolworths' e-commerce team driving customer engagement through digital experiences powered by the Everyday Rewards program.
WiQ: A bespoke analytics business focussed on developing solutions for
Woolworths Groups' existing Refugee Employment Program is delivered in partnership with Community Corporate and is the nation's largest single employer-led refugee-specific sustainable employment program. Focussed on the Woolworths supermarkets business, the program has provided employment to more than 200 refugees from 23 different cultural backgrounds since 2018, spanning stores and customer fulfilment centres. The new digital cadetship program represents
ENDS
For further information please contact Woolworths Group PR & Media on (02) 8885 1033 or media@woolworths.com.au
Case studies
Sarmad - cadet
Sarmad arrived in
Sarmad said: 'This is an excellent opportunity for me to gain local experience to work in the IT field again.This is an excellent opportunity and like my dream come true. I have always had a passion for working in the IT networking field and this experience will give me an excellent opportunity to continue learning and evolving to reach my future goals.'
Shahad - cadet
Shahad is an Iraqi refugee who left her home country in 2016. She has completed IT courses in web development and coding, as well as a Certificate III in IT and Digital Media. Shahad will commence a 12-week paid internship within Woolworths Group Technology next month. Shahad is excited about the technology industry becoming more diverse and increasing opportunities for not only refugees, but women as well.
Shahad said: 'I'd like to introduce more women to IT as it's typically a male dominated industry and we need to change that. Personally, I want to see the results of all the efforts I put in, all the nights I kept studying and most importantly, want to see how my family will be proud of me.'
Sarmad and Shahad will be joining teams in Sarah's department through their cadetship. Sarah says: 'Meeting our cadets it's clear that they have a desire to contribute and the skills we're looking for. It's a real shame for our industry to think they mightn't be recognised in regular recruitment approaches and it's important we find new ways to surface talent we might otherwise miss out on. I'm very excited to have them join our team.'
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