Woolworths Ltd is set to almost double its indigenous workforce over the next three years as part of an initiative supported by the federal Government.
Woolworths will recruit an additional 1,600 indigenous workers as part of the Woolworths Employment Parity Initiative, announced by Woolworths Ltd CEO Brad Banducci and federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Nigel Scullion.
The initiative puts Woolworths on track to become one of Australia’s biggest employers of indigenous people, with 2,000 indigenous workers already Woolworths employees.
“Our stores make great training grounds for the leaders of tomorrow and Woolworths is committed to ensuring our teams reflect the communities they serve,” Mr Banducci said. “We are proud to be one of Australia’s biggest employers of indigenous workers, but I believe we can do more to support indigenous Australians and open up more employment opportunities for them in our business.”
Senator Scullion said it was important that the initiative helped both communities and the disadvantaged.
“I congratulate Woolworths for the leadership it is showing in helping to close the employment gap and it’s great to see the jobs will be spread across various parts of the business – including customer service, bakeries, delicatessens, apparel and homewares,” he said. “Importantly, 85 per cent of the jobs will go to disadvantaged jobseekers and be located across the country in cities, towns and remote areas.”
Woolworths has started recruitment as part of the initiative. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work across Woolworths supermarkets, Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Big W stores.