A groundbreaking new pilot program is giving young Aboriginal people who have experience in the youth justice system a transformative opportunity to build a new career path and make constructive life choices.

The Department of Human Services is providing more than $600,000 in funding for two years for the culturally safe training and employment program, which aims to address and reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal youth within the justice system.

Partnering with a culturally safe organisation

The Aboriginal Youth Pathways to Employment Pilot is run by the South Australian Aboriginal Building and Civil Construction Academy, in partnership with The Umbrella Collective, and offers culturally appropriate training, mentoring, and employment within the building, civil, and construction industries.

During 24 months, there will be four intakes of 6 to 8 participants every six months. Participants aged 17 and above who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander will be selected through an assessment process.

Each intake begins with a comprehensive two week Academy Foundation Program designed to prepare participants with the required accreditation and skills for six months of paid work with the Academy’s sister company, RAW Traffic Management, and concludes with a graduation ceremony.

Honouring a legacy

For sixteen-year-old participant, Dylan, the program was a chance to honour their father’s legacy in construction.

“My dad passed away earlier this year and he was pursuing a career in the construction industry at the time,” said Dylan.

“I was really interested in being part of this program to follow in his footsteps and to make him and the rest of my family proud.”

Planning for a positive future

Participants receive dedicated support from an Academy Aboriginal Workforce Participation Officer like Central Districts SANFL player Mihail Lochowiak, who provides personalised guidance and support throughout the program, supporting participants to complete their training and successfully transition into future career opportunities within the industry.

Participants are supported to plan their future career, ensuring they are well-prepared for ongoing success. This can include opportunities to undertake apprenticeships or traineeships at the end of six months.

This program is more than a training initiative, it offers Aboriginal young people the chance to redefine their future, break the cycle of re-offending and contribute positively to their community.