The South Australian State Government has launched a project to half the gap in employment outcomes in the community between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people by 2018.  To achieve this, an additional 520 Aboriginal people need to gain and sustain employment each year.

The project is funded through the Productivity Places Program (PPP) and includes the establishment in 2010 of an Aboriginal Employment Industry Champions Network to drive industry led and owned Aboriginal Employment and Training initiatives. It is supported by seven industry ‘clusters’ in retail, community services, energy and water, professional services, sport and recreation, advanced manufacturing and hospitality.

SAGE founder and Managing Director, Andrew Downs has been appointed as Chairman of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Cluster.

Through the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Cluster alone, 69 Aboriginal people will have training opportunities in Certificate II qualifications, including engineering, electro-technology and sustainable energy.

The cluster includes SAGE Automation, Australian Submarine Corp, Jurlique, AVK Valves and E&A Contractors.

All projects include a commitment from employers for sustainable jobs, mentoring and support for participants as well as cultural competency training for employers.