A successful employment program for public housing renters in the City of Yarra, informed by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, is providing people who live or used to live in public housing with jobs.
The Yarra Estates Tenants Employment Program works with the Yarra Resident Voice Group, Hope for the Future, Box Hill Institute and the Yarra Estates Housing Office, to recruit 10 current or former renters each year.
Participants bring a range of lived experience and skills, to join and support the department’s Yarra Housing Team and strengthen connections in the Yarra Estate community.
The program provides an entry point into government roles, for people living in public housing and other under-represented groups. All 2023 trainees who completed the program went on to secure work in the department, or other areas of the Victorian Government.
Apout joined the program looking to contribute to policy making in her community. Following her training, Apout was employed by Family Safety Victoria in a Project Officer role.
“Meeting influential women in the department, inspired me and fuelled my ambition to aim higher,” she said.
Abdi joined the program in October 2023, looking for a career change in community services. Following his training, Abdi was employed by Homes Victoria in a Rental Liaison Officer role.
“A highlight was working on the Yarra Renter Voice Group. This was very special to see how people could bring their voices to government. They could share their opinions on many things that affect their daily lives,” Abdi said.
Find out more about the program in the latest State of the public sector report 2024.
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