The Refugee Employment Support Program (RESP) supports refugees to find suitable and skilled employment opportunities.
Am I eligible for RESP?
RESP is available to people who are underemployed or who are unemployed and require extra support.
Any person who has arrived in Australia from December 1, 2011 on a refugee visa, aged 16* to 66, is eligible for the program. Participants must live in western Sydney or the Illawarra, or other regions within NSW that can be reasonably serviced by us.
What does RESP involve?
- Working with individuals to develop suitable career pathways through customised Language, Education and Employment Plans (LEEPs)
- Developing employable English levels
- Screening suitable participants who require additional support to be job ready
- Assessing existing skills and qualifications
- Linking participants to training, resources and tools to gain sustainable and skilled employment
- Support with transport barriers
- Pursuing recognition of prior learning and qualifications
- Access to a network of partner organisations and mentors
- Practical skill development through work experience opportunities
- Opportunities for participants to showcase their skills to potential employers
Our model
We focus on community-based solutions to employment through involving local employers, organisations and other non-government organisations (NGOs) to connect eligible refugees with training, support and jobs.
The program is flexible and responsive to the needs of participants. It considers people at all stages of the employment journey, whether they are seeking entry into the workforce or pursuing skilled career options. Participants also work with multicultural employment specialists who can provide tailored support based on the participant’s skills, experience and goals.
Apply now
Apply or recommend a participant below.
The Refugee Employment Support Program (RESP) is an initiative by the NSW Government that addresses the challenges that are experienced by refugees in finding suitable and skilled employment opportunities.
*For those under 18 years of age, we require a signed certificate of exemption.