Introducing Skill Path Australia
I’m excited to share that I’ve founded a new organisation supporting refugee access to higher education, training and professional recognition – Skill Path Australia.
Why Skill Path?
Australia has critical skills shortages and an ageing population. We need more people willing to work in critical fields such as construction, technology, the care sector and green skills. Many refugees around the world are experienced in these fields, and thanks to the wonderful Talent Beyond Boundaries they are increasingly able to migrate to Australia for work!
But what about refugees who don’t have access to higher education and training? There are literally millions of young refugees around the world who would jump at the chance to study and work in Australia in these priority fields, if given the chance.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to build a workforce for Australia’s future, while at the same time giving refugees an opportunity to study and fulfil their potential? That’s what Skill Path Australia sets out to do.
The pilot (launching soon!)
I’m grateful to be working alongside the amazing Dr Sally Baker, a leading advocate for refugee access to higher education in Australia.
We will soon be able to announce a new pilot program for refugee students, supported by The Australian National University and a network of Australian universities, the Australian government, refugee leaders, students and supporting organisations including Refugee Education Australia, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia, SSI, 54 reasons, Refugee Council of Australia, Amnesty International, Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, and Duolingo.
Stay tuned for more info on that soon!
Acknowledgements
Sincere thanks to the Sidney Myer Fund & The Myer Foundation, who have supported this venture by awarding me a Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowship this year. It’s been a terrific bonus to get to know my co-fellows, Naba Alfayadh and Chris Raine – who are both delivering such impactful innovations for the health sector.
I would love to hear thoughts, feedback and suggestions on Skill Path. This is a big new chapter and I'll need all the help I can get! Please feel free to get in touch.
