Excited about the future

Proud Gunaikurnai man, Robert Dworak-Harrison had been job searching for three months.

‘Within two months of registering with GOAL VTEC, I successfully gained a cleaning role with a major project in the civil construction space,’ Robert said.

‘That opportunity led to being offered a full time Certificate III Civil Construction Apprenticeship which I’m excited about.’

The apprenticeship and full-time employment is with Mordialloc Freeway, a project of Major Road Projects Victoria.

Robert is one of a number of Indigenous workers placed with Mordialloc Freeway by GOAL VTEC.

‘I can now see where I may be headed and have support and financial stability,’ Robert said.

‘This job has given me the motivation to want to better myself and an excitement for learning a qualification.’

GOAL Indigenous Services (GOAL) recently partnered with the Australian Government to become a Vocational, Training and Employment Centre (VTEC).

As one of 18 VTECs around Australia, GOAL VTEC works closely with services, individuals and communities to identify, train and support Indigenous people into jobs and achieve long-term employment outcomes.

GOAL is a majority-owned Indigenous recruitment company headed up by Xavier Clarke, former St Kilda and Brisbane Lions Player and current VFL and Development Coach at Richmond Football Club.

‘Working with local employers, employment and support services and Indigenous communities, we aim to provide the employee and employers with enough resources to encourage retention at the end of the placement,’ Xavier said.

‘The candidates will have enough training and support to hopefully be employed well past the assignment.’

Robert has already recommended GOAL VTEC to friends and family.

‘My experience has been amazing. I feel supported, Tony (GOAL Social Inclusion Manager) has been amazing to work with,’ Robert said.

‘He has a great positive attitude towards me and my work. He always has time for me and makes me feel encouraged.’