Employment Brokers Program

Supporting African Australian jobseekers into meaningful employment.

Culturally responsive employment support, mentoring, and pathways in partnership with the Somali Community of Australia Incorporated (SCoA).

VACAP Employment Brokers Program

African Australian Employment Brokers Program — empowering jobseekers through employment pathways, skills development and support.

Employment mentor and jobseeker reviewing a resume together in a supportive office setting

The VACAP Employment Brokers Program, delivered by the Somali Women’s Development Association (SWDA), supports African Australian jobseekers who are experiencing or at risk of long-term unemployment. This includes newly arrived migrants and refugees, parents returning to the workforce, and people with overseas qualifications. SWDA provides culturally responsive, individualised support through casework, job readiness coaching, resume preparation, skills development and active referrals to employers, training providers and relevant employment services. Using a community development and social work approach, SWDA helps participants overcome employment barriers, build confidence and skills, and improve their opportunities to secure sustainable employment.

Delivered through a culturally responsive and person-centred approach, the program works alongside individuals to understand their goals, strengths, experiences, and aspirations. We provide tailored employment support to help participants successfully navigate the Australian employment system and achieve sustainable career outcomes. The program is delivered by SWDA in partnership with the Somali Community of Australia Incorporated (SCoA).

Our Employment Support Services

Career Planning and Employment Pathways

Individual employment assessments and career planning
Development of personalised Employment Action Plans
Support to identify career goals, strengths, and suitable employment pathways
Guidance on education, training, and skill development opportunities

Job Readiness Support

Resume and cover letter development
Job application assistance
Interview preparation and mock interviews
Workplace expectations and employment preparation
Digital skills support for online job searching and applications

Training and Skills Development

Referrals to accredited training and education providers
Support to access qualifications aligned with employment opportunities
Assistance connecting participants with vocational education and training pathways
Support to build confidence and workplace skills

Employer Connections and Employment Opportunities

Connecting jobseekers with employers and industry partners
Assistance accessing employment opportunities, work experience, internships, and traineeships
Support throughout the recruitment process
Post-placement mentoring and ongoing employment support

Monthly Workshops

SWDA hosts regular Employment Brokers Workshops in partnership with the Somali Community of Australia Incorporated (SCoA). These workshops are designed for Employment Brokers to strengthen networks, share knowledge, and explore collaborative pathways to help job seekers from diverse communities achieve meaningful employment.

Employment Brokers Workshop poster — 25 September 2026, Kensington Town Hall, 4:30pm to 7:30pm

Employment Brokers Workshop poster — 28 August 2026, Kensington Town Hall, 4:30pm to 7:30pm

Employment Brokers Workshop poster — Building connections, supporting communities, creating opportunities

Strengthen partnerships
Share best practices
Empower communities through collaborative employment outcomes

Upcoming Workshop

Venue: Kensington Town Hall, 30–34 Bellair Street, Kensington, VIC 3031, Australia
When: 25 September 2026
Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm

For more information, contact us:

Phone: 0432 231 141 or 0413 312 853
Email: admin@swdai.org.au

Enrol in this workshop

Fill in the form and our team will confirm your place.

Who We Support

The program supports African Australian jobseekers, including:

Refugees and migrants seeking employment opportunities
New arrivals building their careers in Australia
Young people entering the workforce
Women returning to employment
Skilled professionals seeking local employment pathways
Jobseekers requiring additional support to achieve their employment goals

Our Approach

We understand that every person’s employment journey is unique. Our culturally responsive approach recognises participants’ lived experiences, qualifications, skills, and aspirations.

Our experienced employment team provides practical support, encouragement, and advocacy to help participants build confidence, gain skills, and achieve their employment goals.

Trophy on steps labelled clear goals, personal challenge, practice and success — Clear goals, personal challenge, practice — the steps we work through with every jobseeker.

Families and young people attending an SWDA Employment Workshop in a community hall

SWDA volunteers and community members in discussion at an Employment Brokers workshop

Employment Brokers Workshop participants and SWDA representatives gathered for a group photo

Presenter delivering a Kickstart Your Career session to young jobseekers at an SWDA workshop

Employment Brokers workshop participants receiving certificates of appreciation

SWDA Employment Brokers team standing in front of the program banners

Employment Brokers workshop participants seated around tables in a community hall with the SWDA banner

Jobseekers completing workshop activities with support from Employment Brokers staff

SWDA facilitator speaking to workshop participants beside the Homework Club tutoring banner

Community members listening attentively during an SWDA Employment Brokers workshop

Workshop attendees seated in discussion at an SWDA Employment Brokers session

Employment facilitator presenting job-seeking strategies to workshop participants

SWDA Employment Brokers team members in front of the Employment Opportunities banner

Solicitor presenting Occupational Health and Safety rights to Employment Brokers workshop participants

Young jobseekers listening to a workplace safety presentation at an SWDA workshop

Presenter explaining workplace awards and minimum wages to a full room of jobseekers

Community members and young people attending an SWDA employment rights information session

Community members and young people seated at an SWDA employment information session

Young jobseekers in a roundtable discussion at an SWDA Employment Brokers workshop

Young people discussing workplace rights during an SWDA workshop

Participants attending a session on race discrimination and workplace rights

Community women sharing their employment experiences during a workshop discussion

Community elders attending an SWDA employment information session

Workshop participants in conversation during an SWDA employment session

Community women attending an SWDA Employment Brokers workshop

Facilitator leading a career workshop for African Australian jobseekers

Community members listening during an Employment Brokers Workshop

Women participating in an Employment Brokers information session

Women discussing employment pathways in a small workshop group

Community members sharing refreshments and conversation during the workshop

Women taking part in a small group Employment Brokers discussion

Community elder participating in an SWDA workshop conversation

Employment Brokers participants, students and staff gathered for a group photo in front of SWDA and Homework Club banners

Young jobseekers and SWDA volunteers in discussion around a table at an Employment Brokers Workshop

Community members and SWDA volunteers at a full Employment Brokers Workshop session

SWDA representative with partners at an Employment Brokers networking session

SWDA and partner organisation representatives at an Employment Brokers Workshop

SWDA team and community members at a Victorian Multicultural Commission event

SWDA members and guests posing for a group photo in front of Somali Women's Development Association banners

Community women sharing a meal and conversation at an SWDA and SCoA community session

Young jobseekers taking part in an Employment Brokers group session at the SWDA office

Women sharing a meal and conversation at an SWDA Employment Brokers community session

SWDA Employment Brokers team standing together in front of SWDA banners

Large group of Employment Brokers participants, youth and community members at an SWDA and SCoA session

Employment Brokers participants and partners gathered for a group photo at the SWDA office

Employment Brokers participants and university placement students together at an SWDA community event

Employment Brokers facilitator speaking with young jobseekers at an SWDA session

Young jobseekers at an Employment Brokers group mentoring session with SWDA

Employment workshop presenter speaking beside a screen during a session on awards and workplace rights

Participants attending an Employment Brokers workshop in a community training room

Employment Brokers participants and partners gathered for a workshop group photo

Community members and participants gathered at the Employment Brokers workshop venue

Young participants seated together during an Employment Brokers discussion session

Young participants in conversation during an Employment Brokers workshop activity

Women and community members sharing discussion and refreshments at an Employment Brokers workshop

Employment Brokers participants gathered around tables during a community workshop session

Participants listening to a presentation during an Employment Brokers workshop session

Participants seated at the side of the Employment Brokers workshop room during a session

Young participants engaging with each other during an Employment Brokers workshop

Community members in discussion during an Employment Brokers support session

Women and partners sharing refreshments at an Employment Brokers gathering

Employment Brokers participants standing outdoors together for a group photo

Participants learning together around a table during an Employment Brokers training session

Community members serving food during an Employment Brokers community event

Working Together With Employers and Community Partners

We collaborate with employers, training providers, community organisations, and service networks to create inclusive employment pathways and strengthen workforce participation across African Australian communities.

Together, we are building opportunities that support economic participation, independence, and stronger futures.

Start Your Employment Journey Today

If you are looking for employment support, training opportunities, or guidance to achieve your career goals, our Employment Brokers team is here to assist you. Contact us today to learn how we can support your employment pathway.

Phone: (03) 8596 7765 / 0432 231 141
Email: admin@swdai.org.au
Web: www.swdai.org.au