Indigenous workers and retail traineeships : the challenge for employers

As the largest private sector employer of indigenous workers, employers within the retail industry have the opportunity to improve the employment prospects of indigenous Australians. Contemporary literature, in addition to statistical evidence, highlights the high unemployment rates among indigenous workers. One way of addressing this problem is for employers to take the initiative through the development of company based training programs in the form of government accredited traineeships. Training programs are seen as ways of improving the job skills of unemployed workers and enhancing their general employability. Formal traineeships have the benefit of offering workers both on-the-job experience in conjunction with off-the job skill based learning. After examining the current state of indigenous employment in Australia and government responses, the article examines the potential for the retail industry to provide increased employment opportunities. A case study is used to highlight potential issues and difficulties.