Chief Executives are invited to nominate one or more of their currently funded positions to be filled by a job seeker with a disability through the Traineeship Program conducted by this Department.

This exciting initiative is sponsored by the Office of the Public Trustee, the Motor Accidents Authority, and the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. The NSW Department of Education and Training's New Apprenticeships Centre will assist the Public Employment Office to administer the Program.

My Department is offering 30 places for public sector agencies so you will need to act quickly to take advantage of this initiative.

The Program fully reimburses the wages to participating agencies at the end of the Traineeship. At the end of the traineeship, Graduate Trainees are appointed to a permanent position with the host employer. As the host employer you gain a new employee who is specifically trained and capable of meeting your workforce requirements and, a trainee that has gained a nationally accredited qualification. Since 2001, 70 Trainees have successfully completed their Traineeship and been appointed to positions with the participating agencies.

I request that your agency become actively involved in this program by nominating one or more positions to be filled by a Trainee. To participate your agency should lodge its nominated position(s) with the program manager by 30 October, 2004.

Guidelines and Nomination Forms and an Overview for Employers can be obtained from the Program Manager, Paul Jenkin, on 9228 3540 or by clicking on the web address www.eeo.nsw.gov.au.

I strongly urge Chief Executives to disseminate this electronic circular and encourage their staff to participate in this program.

C Gellatly
Director General

Updates C2002-53