An employment program that challenges stereotypes about Indigenous Australians working in security is being celebrated as a great success during NAIDOC Week.
Wilson Security’s Making Tracks program has resulted in a rise of Indigenous employees from just over one per cent to three per cent of the company’s workforce in just two years.
The initiative combines culturally appropriate training with support from Indigenous Engagement officers.
One of the successful graduates, Kyle Nichols is now a security officer at the Woolworths head office at Bella Vista. He says the program helped him realise that Indigenous people have unique skills that suit the job.
“You build that rapport and I think being Indigenous you see another Indigenous person you have that understanding you know how to treat each other with respect,” Mr Nichols says.
“You understand. You don’t feel like you’re being looked down on.”
“It makes me really proud every day to come into work to see other Indigenous people here. And to see Woolworths taking that on is pretty awesome.”
In an industry that historically struggles to attract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Wilson Security has significantly increased its Indigenous workforce through ‘Making Tracks‘.
Mr Nichols (pictured left) says he hopes others will follow.
“I like being around people engaging with the community,” he says.
“And also to show people where I’m from in my community. We’ve got black fellas Aboriginals in the security industry, so that way they feel comfortable, because very rarely do you see any Indigenous security guards. So to see a black face in the first place you walk into, you feel comfortable.”
Since its launch in 2019, Making Tracks has helped more than 200 Indigenous Australians into the security industry, with nearly half securing full-time or permanent part-time employment.
