Blackwoods is particularly committed to increasing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members, suppliers, contractors and the broader community through a wide range of activities.
We seek to provide employment and development opportunities for Indigenous candidates and team members across all roles within the business and in all regions. Blackwoods partners the likes of Clontarf Foundation, Stars Foundation, CareerTrackers, and our Indigenous recruitment partners to promote awareness our program and the support available, and to encourage others to join our business.
Clontarf Foundation
In 2021, Blackwoods hosted seven Clontarf Academy students for their paid school-based traineeships, guiding them as they take their first steps into the workforce. The students balanced school commitments with TAFE-based theory and one day a week at Blackwoods, learning new skills from experts in our business.
During the traineeships, students participated in group tours of Blackwoods’ sites, were introduced to various roles within the business, and worked closely with our team members. Following site visits, interviews were conducted with several students applying for a two-year paid traineeship.
An example is Preston Beale, who through a combination of hard work completing Year 12, obtaining an industry-recognised certification, and gaining the relevant experience and knowledge from his traineeship, resulted in being offered a full-time role at Blackwoods.
We have a growing group of Clontarf Academy Graduates and Alumni working for Blackwoods full time. Similarly, Blackwoods is working with the Beyond the Broncos Pre-Employment training programs with several graduates now working across the Blackwoods business and is in the early stages of establishing opportunities with The Starlight Foundation for girls.
Career Trackers
CareerTrackers supports pre-professional Indigenous university students and links them with private sector employers like Blackwoods, to participate in paid multi-year internships. Students perform their internship with us with the aim of developing skills for future employment and we are delighted to have transitioned several students from CareerTrackers interns into full-time employees upon graduation.
Our Internship programs include roles within Finance, People & Safety, Marketing, Merchandise, Communications and Legal. Internships are now conducted through a combination of on site work and via the use of technology and work from home arrangements, ensuring interns receive the benefit of acquiring knowledge and experience in a safe and effective way.
