After six week’s of training and work placement, ten Indigenous job seekers have graduated from the Kmart Employment Pathway program.

The program was an initiative between Yarpa, Kmart, Target, Officeworks and the Australian Retailers Association. 

The program gave the participants an opportunity to gain real retail experience at one of the participating stores. 

At the completion of the program, participants were presented with a certificate two in retail. 

Kmart NSW and ACT Aboriginal Employment Advisor, Kerrie Shepherd said, “When we first started the negotiations, we wanted to make sure that it wasn’t training for the sake of training. We wanted an agreement within the brands that at the end of this program, the participants would be placed into permanent jobs and as of next week, they’ll all commence in their different brands.” 

Program participant, Andrew Wakeling said,” I feel amazing. I got here, got through it. Did 100% and gave it everything I got. I’m just happy to be here.”

CEO of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, James Christian attended the special ceremony and expressed the importance of getting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into retail. 

“It’s life changing and its a huge opportunity for those people and for their families, for their communities. To get a job to get a career. Retail employs one in ten Australians and to see more of our people in retail like we’re achieving with this program is wonderful.” 

Program participants will now begin their employment journeys at their chosen store.