University Professor of Industry Engaged Learning Mike Clements writes how Swinburne's partnership with First People HR will develop Indigenous careers.  

In recent times, we have seen a range of new public, private and government sector initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Indigenous employees in Australian workplaces. Many organisations are striving to achieve commendable targets to increase Indigenous participation within their workforces.

Various doors will open to deserving individuals as a result of these initiatives. But what is often overlooked is what happens after we open the doors? What happens after we create opportunities?

A recent article in The Australian states that Indigenous Australians are twice as likely as the general population to undertake vocational education and training, but half as likely to undertake a higher education degree. This offers some explanation as to why Indigenous employees are less likely to work in managerial roles, as degree qualifications are often a requirement for promotion.

So while opening the door to education and employment is a critical first step, we need to start considering the career path that follows. We need to ensure that we are not simply opening doors to a job, but to a lifelong career journey. We need to ensure we are opening doors to higher education, professional development and progression.

Indigenous Australians who are degree-qualified tend to excel in the workplace and make significant contributions to government, business and industry. It is therefore clear we have a largely under-utilised pool of talent to whom we are not dedicating sufficient resources or supporting into tertiary education with sufficient energy.

For this reason, I am tremendously excited about Swinburne’s recent partnership with First People HR. This organisation is the only national and privately-owned Indigenous recruitment company in Australia. Our partnership will increase employment opportunities for Indigenous people within the university’s higher education division.

But more importantly, it will focus on the professional development of our Indigenous employees by supporting access to higher education. We are not only aiming to increase participation, but to significantly improve the professional career prospects of our Indigenous employees.

Swinburne is the first university to partner with First People HR and I am very proud to be part of this initiative. It is an important part of Swinburne’s community engagement strategy for higher education.

But more significantly, it is our first step in recognising the importance of supporting the careers of our first people. It is not just about opening doors to employment for Indigenous people - it is about providing pathways for personal achievement, career progression and success.

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