WISE Employment, in partnership with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) in West Melbourne, seeks volunteer mentors to work with the WISE-ASRC mentor program – a unique program providing employment, education and training opportunities to asylum seekers.

If you live in Melbourne, have a passion for social justice, are community spirited, enthusiastic, and resourceful and are interested in helping someone to find work, then this could be an opportunity for you.

Most asylum seekers face multiple barriers to employment, including; the stress of severe trauma, the stigma attached to asylum seekers, unfamiliarity with Australian culture, poor English language skills, lack of recognition for their qualifications and no Australian work experience. On top of these barriers, they do not have the support to assist them to overcome these.

The WISE-ASRC mentor program offers mentorship and coaching for these job seekers, who have the right to work in Australia, but have limited access to the Job Network and Centrelink. The program aims to offer individual support at a personal level through a positive and beneficial relationship with a volunteer mentor.

As a mentor you can help by attending training and group activities with your mentee, by taking them through mock job interviews, or by visiting a workplace. You can also help by sharing your knowledge of the Australian workplace, discussing career options, and where possible, assist with developing networks for work placement opportunities.

Mentorships usually last between three to six months and there is no cost involved. WISE Employment organises and finances activities undertaken whilst mentoring.

And you will receive all the training you need to make you feel comfortable with your mentoring role. To find out more about becoming a volunteer mentor, please contact Lidia Georgiou at WISE Employment on 1800 685 105.