Compass Group recognises that women continue to experience significantly higher unemployment rates. We fully support that there are women who are ready and willing to work, but just need an opportunity. As such, we saw an opportunity to support these women within our business with training and employment opportunities.
To do this we developed an innovative initiative as a key component of our Gender Equity Strategy to proactively increase female participation in our workforce. We are so proud for the recognition through the 2020 Women In Resources Award.
Introducing ‘Launch Into Work’
We partnered with Registered Training Organisation – Marr Mooditj Training and the Federal Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business. Then designed a 5-week pre-employment project targeting sourcing, recruitment, upskilling and placement of unemployed women into our ESS operation. This includes our remote, offshore or mining sector operations. The Project is tailored to the hospitality industry and employer needs. It was designed to better match female job seekers to our respective job vacancies. While also reducing staff turnover and creating career opportunities in our business.
‘Launch into Work’ participants are all long-term unemployed and come from diverse backgrounds. Including Indigenous, mature aged, and some had previous substance misuse and/or domestic issues. In 2018 we delivered the first Program of training, mentoring and work experience. In addition to work skills the program takes a holistic approach focusing on practical life skills and confidence. This helps the participants overcome individual barriers to employment. On their final week, the women complete an on-site work experience placement.
On successful completion of the Program, all participants receive a Certificate II in Hospitality. We then offer ongoing employment within our Business. To address retention, individual mentoring and support is offered to the women on an ongoing basis. This has enabled us to immediately identify issues as they occur and then put into place strategies to resolve problems on a case by case basis.
Recognition for our commitment to supporting disadvantaged women included being awarded the following 2020 Women In Resources Awards:
Excellence in Company Programs and Performance Award. Sponsored by BHP and the Mineral Council of Australia’s 2020 Women in Resources National Awards.
