Recognising the barriers that young Indigenous jobseekers faced in his community of Wodonga, Jon Retford, General Manager of the Wilson Transformer Company decided to take action.

He formed a partnership with the Australian Government Department of Human Services and community organisations to help local Aboriginal youth (aged 16 – 22) to find work and gain qualifications in the engineering and manufacturing industry.

His efforts were recently featured in the Closing the Gap: Prime Minister’s Report 2013.

Twenty-six young Indigenous Australians have gone through the program since it started in June 2011. Of these, 17 have gone on to become valued employees at the Wilson Transformer Company, and others have moved on to work with different companies.

Jon arranged for cultural awareness training, so his staff would have a better understanding of Aboriginal culture.

He believes the program is not only good for community spirit but good business sense, and says he and his staff develop a great sense of satisfaction from helping young people make a positive transition into the work environment.

Jon feels the success of the program is in part due to the passion of the people involved. Previous employment programs in the area had struggled due to lack of personal support for participants in navigating the “employment system”.

In the Wilson Transformer Company Aboriginal Youth Development Program, participants receive plenty of encouragement and support from the program partners so they can achieve the best outcome possible.

“Prior to the project, I had no motivation, no goals in life and everyday was the same,” one participant said.

“I was at the shed for six weeks before I started as a casual at Wilsons, then they offered me an apprenticeship in engineering steel fabrication.

“Since I started work I have a house and a car… The brilliant social atmosphere of this workplace is amazing. I love my job! I love my life! Thank you to everyone. I am drug free and working for a living and finally have my life back.”