A group of Iranian refugee women have gained qualifications and improved employment opportunities after completing a job training program run by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in partnership with Voice To The Nations Church in western Sydney and BSI Learning.
These nine women are living in Australia on humanitarian grounds after fleeing their home country and have found it difficult to obtain employment due to the restrictions of their visa.
The group have been working with ACU Properties and Facilities staff and a number of program partners including BSI Learning (as the Registered Training Organisation) to train in a CPP30316 Certificate III in Cleaning Operations and another provider to gain a General Construction Induction Card (known as a White Card). Over several months, they have gained professional experience in cleaning a variety of venues at ACU’s Sydney campuses.
The group trained at the ACU Strathfield Campus where they gained practical experience in the use of industrial cleaning machines. The women also trained at the ACU North Sydney Campus where they used the ACU hospital simulation wards to gain first-hand knowledge of the strict cleaning protocols that apply in hospital settings. Other organisations that have partnered to make this program possible include, ANET Training, Asset Group Solutions, and Facilities First.
BSI Learning Executive Director Kala Philip said, “The women were given language support throughout the training program via a volunteer translator who provided them additional support assist with overcoming any language difficulties. Upskilling and education was also part of their empowerment and confidence building to go out and seek employment.
ACU Associate Director of Facilities Management Jye West said,
“It has been incredible to watch how many people and business partners have come together to support these ladies, due to a shared value of social justice. And it has been truly inspiring to see how they have progressed in the program.”
“I’m proud and honoured to have walked beside these women and be a part of their growth and development and to offer them the chance to be a part of our Australian society.”
The women who completed the ACU refugee job training program received a commitment to future employment with BIC Services.
