STEP for employers
Which Employers are Eligible for STEP? : How much funding does STEP Provide : What does STEP cover? : STEP at a glance : STEP in action : Further information
STEP can provide flexible financial packages and tailored support to help employers provide quality job opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
STEP is looking for partners to develop innovative start-up programmes to help stimulate and build effective Indigenous employment strategies.
Which employers are eligible for STEP?
STEP has a primary focus on private sector jobs; however, all employers are able to participate. The key criterion is that the participant’s job must be ongoing after the funding period has finished.
How much funding does STEP provide?
The level of funding depends on the type of organisation and services needed to ensure ongoing employment. It takes into account such factors as the job readiness of the applicant, the type of training received and training to be given, the duration of the job and where it is located.
What does STEP cover?
- training, including apprenticeships and traineeships, on the job training, school based apprenticeships and cross-cultural awareness training
- development of an Indigenous employment strategy
- mentoring
- help with employment costs.
STEP at a glance
- Provides funding and tailored help to private sector businesses that employ Indigenous Australians.
- Jobs must be available after STEP funding ceases.
- The level of funding depends on the type of organisation and assistance needed.
- Funding is available for training, developing an Indigenous employment strategy, mentoring and employment costs.
STEP in action
BP Australia
BP has employed a number of Indigenous Australians across many of their sites and is now a Corporate Leader for Indigenous Employment. The following letter came from a very satisfied customer and acknowledges the work of Troy Peglar (pictured left) and BP’s efforts in employing Indigenous Australians.
Dear Sir/Madam, I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say how great it is to see so many Aboriginal faces employed in your service stations. I have been a regular customer of your Redfern station for some time as I commute to the city each day.
Over the past months I have noticed your Aboriginal employees are outstanding customer service attendants—always friendly, helpful and extremely well presented.
What wonderful ambassadors for reconciliation your Aboriginal staff are.
Good on you BP, keep up the good work.
Broome Central Motors
Broome Central Motors started a STEP project in 2002 which has just finished. Three participants started with the assistance of STEP and are all still employed. They have all undertaken formal accredited training at the local TAFE colleges as part of the project. Regina has now completed her traineeship, Klinton is due to complete his apprenticeship soon and Bryan has 2 years to go on his apprenticeship after transferring from a traineeship.
We were lucky to get three incredible people who worked hard and have been a great benefit to the business. It worked out brilliantly, said employer, Josie. The biggest benefit of STEP is that it encourages employers to take on Aboriginal kids and give them an opportunity…the community appreciates what we are trying to do. STEP provided backup when it was needed.
We’re thinking about taking on another couple of trainees next year.
Further information
You can get more information on STEP from your local DEEWR office, a business development officer at an Indigenous Coordination Centre, your local Job Network member or by calling the Indigenous employment line on 1802 102.
Download the STEP Employer fact sheet (PDF 631KB)