Our first Indigenous trainees graduate

Three years ago, UNSW lingered at the bottom of the list of Australian universities in relation to recruitment of Indigenous staff, but not anymore.

Speaking this month at the graduation of the University’s first five Indigenous trainees, Deputy- Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Richard Henry acknowledged the changes UNSW has made in addressing what was once, a “major deficiency”.

“The University and Nura Gili saw that an active program was the only way to improve the lack of Indigenous recruitment strategy at UNSW,” Richard said.

The resulting Indigenous Traineeship Program aims to address the disparities Indigenous Australians encounter in achieving economic independence by increasing the low numbers of Indigenous staff in the areas of academia and senior management.

This year, the program has increased its intake to nine Commonwealth supported trainees who are guaranteed a one year contract on graduating.

Employed in administration roles in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Student Central, Student Management, Nura Gili Resource Centre, Nura Gili Programs Centre and the Australian School of Business, the trainees complete a Business Administration Certificate at TAFE during their internship.

Indigenous Employment Coordinator Cheryl Ah-See has been impressed by the level of support given by the faculties involved.

“This is a reciprocal relationship. The trainees share their history, skills and culture while becoming a valuable part of their faculty,” she said.

Cheryl encourages any faculty interested in taking part in the Indigenous Traineeship Program to contact her on c.ah-see@unsw.edu.au.