In an effort to create more employment and career opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Central Coast Local Health District launched a new Aboriginal Employment Plan on October 30.
The plan details how the district will attract more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, support traineeships, provide development opportunities and career paths and increase cultural awareness within the organisation.
Workforce operations manager, Mr Ian Arnold said the plan will open more doors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in a career in health.
“The average age of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents on the Central Coast is 20 years, which is why much of the plan focuses on giving senior students and new graduates a head start in the industry through traineeships and internships.
“Equally important is putting strategies in place for current employees to grow their skills,” he said. Mr Arnold said the district’s ambition to improve employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region extends beyond the health sector.
“We are leading a new Regional Staff Mobility Pilot project which is all about expanding career opportunities within the public sector as a whole.
“The idea is for people to gain valuable experience with the district, increase their transferable skills through training and development and then be in a stronger position to secure a role in other public sector organisations down the track.
“The goal is to improve workforce participation on the Coast and in turn improve access to services for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Arnold said.
Media release,
Oct 21, 2015
Casey Virgin, Central
Coast Local Health District