Given the Chance

Given the Chance links refugees with mentors from business, community and government. It offers work experience opportunities and job search training specific to the needs of refugees.

Why?

Refugees want to work but suffer from extremely high unemployment rates.

Four out of 10 humanitarian and refugee arrivals in Australia are still unemployed after three years. Gaining employment helps a refugee to

contribute to society
capitalise on resilience, personal attributes, aspirations, drive to belongand drive to re-establish and contribute
rebuild trust in society
rebuild identity
take control of life financially and emotionally.

Refugees have specific training needs

Newly arrived refugees need to

build understanding of the Australian labour market
develop understanding of Australia’s work and business culture
build professional networks in chosen field
develop work experience and qualifications history in Australia.

Given the Chance 2005 – 2007

The Victorian Government, through its Community Support Fund, is supporting Given the Chance for the period 2005-2007. In its new phase, Given the Chance continues to support refugees to gain employment through matching refugees with mentors and developing customised job search training programs. Given the Chance will seek accreditation for the program, offering a new opportunity for other locations and other organisations to offer this support to refugees. Given the Chance staff and volunteers will now advocate for the program to new communities and new organisations.

Want to know more?

Given the Chance is always seeking
Mentors to assist refugees into employment
Work experience in a wide range of fields
Employment for refugees
Volunteers for all aspects of developing the project

For more information, email gtc@bsl.org.au or contact 03 9416 0044.

Supporters and funders of Given the Chance

Department of Victorian Communities, Melbourne City Council
Victorian Government, the Victorian Women’s Trust
Invergowrie Foundation
ANZ
SJB Architects

A typical story from Given the Chance

Find out more about participants' experiences in the Given the Chance program.

My-Linh Ly
Ann Wearne
Brian Smith
Bernie Boundy and Zahra Hussein

Churchill Fellowship 2004

Jill Carr, former Mentor Coordinator for Given the Chance, was awarded a Churchill Scholarship in 2004 to undertake a study tour in Northern Europe.
Download a three page summary of her learnings and recommendations from the tour (PDF 38KB)