Social Inclusion at Programmed
Understanding and drawing on the diversity of our people is at the heart of meeting the needs of our customers, building strong relationships across the communities we serve and engaging the many talents of the Programmed team.
We are committed to fostering and advancing diversity and inclusion across Programmed and our communities. Our plan focuses on Cultural diversity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and Maori Peoples; Generational diversity; People with disability; Gender balance and the LGBTIQA+ community.
The Four Pillars
Our approach centres around four key areas:
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1 |
Employees: |
We aim to have a diverse workforce which represents the communities in which we operate. |
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2 |
Customers: |
We help our customers tap into the benefits of a safe and inclusive workplace. |
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3 |
Procurement: |
We support local suppliers and delivering value for money. |
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4 |
Community: |
We engage with our local communities through partnerships, volunteering and pro-bono support. |
Overview
The Cohort Steering Committee comprises Contract Manager Danny O'Mara, National Social Inclusion Manager, Lynette Graham, Social Inclusion Manager, Gregory Lackey and representatives from Housing ACT (Trade and Construction), Kippax Uniting, SPARK Ginninderry and PCYC.
The Cohort Steering Committee was created, with the overall goal to work collaboratively with community stakeholders to identify strategies that result in employment opportunities for all cohorts on the HACT contract. In 2019-2020, the Cohort Steering Committee successfully obtained government funding to deliver future skills job readiness programs for job seekers from all cohorts interested in the trade industry and give those a chance that otherwise may not get. The government funding received saw the establishment of 3 new social enterprises (Kippax Mower Shed and Kippax Trade Start, Kippax Removals) on the HACT contract. These social enterprises would create up to 50 employment opportunities for all cohorts. The social enterprises are still delivering successful training and employment opportunities for all cohorts.
In 2022 the cohort committee will continue to work in collaboration to find new partnerships that will create more opportunities for training and employment pathways nationwide.
Overview
Programmed established the Employment Panel, which consists of 14 subcontractors in various trades on the HACT contract. Each trade representative volunteered to be on the Employment Panel to make a difference in employing a job seeker. The critical approach to establishing the Employment Panel was to seek vital information directly to hire a job seeker. The Panel identifies:
- Relationships with subcontractor groups who can communicate and voice their opinions on the Program
- Suitable subcontractors and what is required regarding job seekers' skills and training requirements to gain employment in a particular area of Trade
- Employment opportunities through social initiatives and ventures that may provide additional work experience
- The Employment Panel feeds up to the Cohort Steering Committee to identify suitable training programs for potential job seekers and make them more employable to subcontractors.
- The establishment of social enterprises creates employment pathways. Job seekers can be selected by social enterprises and job matched directly with subcontractors.
Overview
The Family and Community Connection Program assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients encountering complex issues and experiencing societal obstacles to access support and services that improve their living standards and link them with other community service agencies. The goal is to ensure that HACT properties provide suitable living conditions.
The Program works in collaboration with Indigenous leading community organisations that provides ongoing family and cultural support.
Programmed's Social Inclusion Manager oversees work orders and the subsequent management of identified properties.
Overview
The Youth Interchange Program is a partnership between Programmed, HACT, and the Canberra Institute of Technology. The two-week Program focuses on a strategic approach to learning in a team environment, building confidence, and obtaining soft skills for job readiness.
The Program achieves the following:
- Build solid two-way relationships between the community and the individuals
- Encourage group learning through a team training environment
- Identify educational and apprenticeship pathways for young people
- Provide onsite, practical work experience
- Deliver ongoing mentoring and support to young people to seek further educational employment pathways.
The Youth Interchange Program works across community events and opportunities on various sites across the HACT contract.
Eight to ten candidates attend the Program. Week one of the Program is office based where attendees learn Operational Procedures, receive training for their White Card, Asbestos Card, Work Health and Safety Training and Job Readiness Training. Following Week 2, participants undertake work experience in the field alongside tradespeople learning basic trades’ skills and onsite safety training. These works involve scoping a property and performing minor maintenance works.
A recent addition to the Program is the inclusion of ACT Fire & Rescue. A part of the collaboration between Programmed and ACT Emergency Services, ACT Fire and Rescue has offered to use their Training Site to demonstrate training required to join ACT Emergency Services and allow the participants to participate in several safety drills. In addition, individuals from ACT Fire & Rescue share their experiences in their role in the community and seek to attract individuals participating in the Youth Interchange Program who may wish to pursue a career in firefighting or work as a volunteer.
Overview
Qualified trades-people from Programmed Facility Management (PFM) Programmed Essential Services (PES), Kippax Uniting, and the Emergency Services Agency (ESA) work together to deliver Community Trade and Safety Workshops. These workshops have proven popular with the tenants and community members, with Programmed receiving numerous requests from community organisations to provide more of these Workshops.
The workshops run for two to three hours at a time. They allow tenants and community members to learn about fire prevention in the home and learn basic trade skills to carry out minor repairs that are financially affordable. For example, participants learn how to patch and paint, preparing a wall for painting and yard maintenance.
ESA representatives attend to provide education sessions on home fire safety, including teaching tenants and community members the dangers of candles, heaters and lint from tumble dryers, checking smoke detectors and hoarding. Tenants learn how hoarding can impact emergency services gaining access to the property. ESA representatives educate participants on the dos and don'ts of an emergency and how to leave home safely in the case of a fire.
Overview
In October 2019, Programmed established the Trade for a Day Program specifically to target Housing ACT Aged Pension Units. Between 10am and 2pm, qualified tradespeople perform various minor home maintenance and repairs, with further planned works scheduled at a later date.
The Program aims to build relationships and community engagement with senior tenants, Programmed staff, Housing ACT representatives and tradespeople. ACT Housings' senior tenants are among the most vulnerable in the community, and their home is their safe space.
The day is also about Energy Efficiency and Ease of Use. Residents can opt to have their lightbulbs changed to energy-efficient LED's and taps changed to half lever taps for those that have arthritis or joint pain.
Programmed also puts on a community barbeque for residents and tradespeople. It's an excellent opportunity for everyone to come together and meet, share stories and have a laugh with the tenants.
Our Social Enterprises; Canberra PCYC Mower shed, and Kippax Mower Shed are also present on the day, helping to clean up back yards and remove rubbish if required.
Overview
Kippax Mower Shed, PCYC Mower Shed, Programmed, Housing ACT, UnitingCare Kippax and the Canberra Institute of Technology work together to provide accredited training and paid work opportunities for individuals from vulnerable backgrounds for all cohorts.
Upon completing this innovative training and transitional employment initiative, participants can transition to mainstream employment with Programmed or our subcontractors. They are given the opportunity for apprenticeships, full-time or part-time jobs within the trade industries participants are keen to pursue a career.
Overview
Programmed will partner with Link SPARK Ginninderry. This Program commenced in 2022, and Programmed will promote and advertise the ‘Women in Trade’ Program to all key community partners.
Upon completion, Programmed will link the participants directly with Programmed subcontractors for potential employment opportunities to encourage them to employ more women in the Housing ACT contract.
As part of the ongoing partnership with Link SPARK Ginninderry, Programmed will deliver the Community Trade and Safety Workshop to several participants and community members. The Trade Workshop participants learn basic trade skills alongside a qualified trade person from Programmed Essential Services.
Overview
Programmed participated in the SA ‘I Got Built Program’, a specialist pre-apprenticeship program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Over eight weeks, participants work towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification in building and construction.
In partnership with MEGT Australia, Carey Group, Indi Services, and the Department for Innovation and Skills and Local Jobs Program – Adelaide North, the program aims is to give participants hands-on experience to provide them with the confidence to kick-start their careers.
To earn their Certificate II in Construction, students split their time between the classroom and on-the-job learning. The course covers a range of subjects, from carrying out measurements and calculations to using tools and equipment and applying OHS requirements, policies, and procedures.
Students also receive resume and interview training and complete their White Card. Programmed supplies students with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Good News Stories
Meet the Team
Lynette Graham
National Social Inclusion Manager
Lynette has been instrumental in developing and delivering the many social inclusion programs Programmed provide. Lynette has identified key areas and opportunities that support the job seekers and increase employee retention and training of individuals who engage in the programs. Lynette collaborates with community groups, both government and non-government agencies, to identify and deliver educational and employment pathways to all cohorts through our contracts. Lynette brings a passion for her community along with recognition for equality through her social inclusion initiatives.
Gregory Lackey
ACT Social Inclusion Manager
Gregory is our dedicated Social Inclusion Manager to our Housing ACT contract. Gregory assists in identifying opportunities to support job seekers and increase their employee retention. Collaborating with both community, government and non-government agencies, to identify and deliver educational and employment pathways to all cohorts through our contracts. Gregory brings compassion and knowledge to assist participants to reach success.
