Employment
At Africause, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to work with dignity and pride. Through our employment and training programs, we are committed to helping African-Australians build the confidence, skills, and experience they need to create brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. Because when people are given the chance to succeed, the whole community thrives.
Creating Meaningful Employment Opportunities
Africause offers specialist professional skill development to improve pathways and real access to meaningful jobs across all sectors. We believe that everyone who can do the job deserves the opportunity, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
The Challenge
Levels of unemployment affecting African-Australian communities in Melbourne's western suburbs including North Melbourne, Carlton, Footscray, and Flemington are unacceptable.
According to the 2016 Census:Work and Development Permit (WDP) Scheme
Work Off Your Fines
If you have fines you can't pay and meet eligibility criteria, you can work them off through Africause instead of paying cash.
Eligible if you have:
- Mental or intellectual disability, disorder or illness
- Addiction to drugs, alcohol or volatile substance
- Homelessness
- Acute financial hardship
- Experienced family violence
How It Works
You can reduce your fines by:
Unpaid Work
Gaining work experience
Completing Courses
Educational, vocational, life skills
Mentoring
If you're under 25
How to Apply
Complete our intake form
Provide contact details, fine obligation number, resume/skills, availability
Download & complete consent form
Email to: wdp@africause.org.au
Interview & registration
We'll contact you to complete the process
Ready to get started? Contact us to begin your application:
Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program
Pathways to Policing
A comprehensive course preparing African-Australian and CALD community members for careers with Victoria Police. We provide support to overcome barriers including psychological tests, physical tests, and cultural navigation.
Results Since 2018
Making a meaningful impact in community policing
African Youth Mentoring Program
Connect with Successful Role Models
One-on-one mentoring matching African Australian youth (under 25) with successful African professionals who understand your cultural background and can guide your career journey.
What You Get
- Personal mentor from the African Australian community
- Career guidance and pathway planning
- Support navigating cultural expectations and Australian workplace culture
- Connection to employment opportunities
Who It's For
- African Australian youth facing career decisions
- Young people navigating family and cultural expectations
- Anyone needing guidance from someone who's been there
Ready to Connect with a Mentor?
Join our mentoring program and get matched with a successful professional who understands your journey and can help you navigate your career path with confidence.
Employment Skills Development
Job-Ready Training
Free support to help you find and keep employment across Melbourne and Victoria.
Our Services
Comprehensive support for your employment journey
Resume and Interview Preparation
Professional guidance to create compelling resumes and ace your interviews with confidence.
Australian Workplace Culture
Learn to navigate and thrive in Australian workplace environments and understand cultural expectations.
Job Skills Coaching
Individual and group coaching sessions to develop essential workplace skills and professional capabilities.
Career Pathway Planning
Strategic guidance to map out your career goals and identify the steps to achieve them.
Job Matching with Employers
Connect with employers looking for talented candidates that match your skills and aspirations.
Ongoing Workplace Support
Continued support after placement to ensure you succeed and thrive in your new role.
African Australian job seekers at any stage of their career journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our employment programs and services
Are Africause employment services free?
Yes, all our employment support services are completely free for African Australian community members.
Where are Africause employment programs available?
Our programs operate across Melbourne's western suburbs including Footscray, Flemington, North Melbourne, Carlton, and surrounding areas. Some programs like the WDP scheme are available statewide.
How do I register for employment support?
Contact us at (03) 9042 1604 or email info@africause.org.au to discuss which program is right for you.
We'll assess your needs and recommend the best program or combination of programs.
What is the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program?
It's a 15-week course at Victoria University that prepares African-Australian and CALD community members for careers with Victoria Police. We provide support to overcome barriers including psychological tests, physical tests, and cultural navigation.
Delivered in partnership with Jesuit Social Services, Victoria University, and Victoria Police.
Our Success Story:
- Since 2018, we've enrolled 168 participants from 24 African countries representing 47 cultures
- 132 completed the course
- 58 passed the Victoria Police Entrance Exam
- 22 were offered positions as Police Officers, Public Safety Officers, or Police Custody Officers
- 16 secured work with Army Reserve, Border Force, or Corrections Victoria
What is the African Youth Mentoring Program?
AYMP provides one-on-one mentoring matching African Australian youth under 25 with successful African professionals who understand your cultural background and can guide your career journey.
What you get:
- A personal mentor from the African Australian community
- Career guidance and pathway planning
- Support navigating cultural expectations and Australian workplace culture
- Connection to employment opportunities
Perfect for: African Australian youth facing career decisions, young people navigating family and cultural expectations, or anyone needing guidance from someone who's been there.
What is the Work and Development Permit scheme?
WDP allows eligible people to work off their Fines Victoria debts through unpaid work, courses, or mentoring instead of paying cash.
You might be eligible if you have:
- A mental or intellectual disability, disorder or illness
- Addiction to drugs, alcohol or volatile substance
- Homelessness
- Acute financial hardship
- Experienced family violence
While participating, enforcement on your fines is paused.
Contact wdp@africause.org.au or call (03) 9042 1604 to check eligibility and apply.
How do I apply for the WDP scheme?
Step 1: Complete our intake form (provide contact details, fine obligation number, resume/skills, availability)
Step 2: Download, complete and email the consent form to wdp@africause.org.au
Step 3: We'll contact you for an interview and registration
You can reduce your fines through:
- Unpaid work (gaining work experience)
- Completing courses (educational, vocational, life skills)
- Mentoring if you're under 25
What does Employment Skills Development include?
Free support to help you find and keep employment including:
- Resume and interview preparation
- Understanding Australian workplace culture
- Job skills coaching (individual and group)
- Career pathway planning
- Job matching with employers
- Ongoing workplace support
It's for African Australian job seekers at any stage of their career journey.
Can I get help if I'm already employed?
Yes, we offer workplace retention support and career advancement guidance for African Australians who are already working.
I have a criminal record—can you still help me?
Yes, we can still work with you. Some programs and employers have restrictions around criminal history, but many don't.
We'll be honest with you about your options and help you find pathways that are open to you.
Can employers partner with Africause to find workers?
Yes! We welcome partnerships with employers who value diversity and want to access talented African Australian workers.
Contact us at (03) 9042 1604 or info@africause.org.au to discuss how we can help you find the right candidates for your business.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Get in touch with our team for more information.
Contact Us Today