The Indigenous Skills and Employment Program (ISEP) is about connecting First Nations people to jobs, career advancement opportunities, and to new training and job-ready activities.
In supporting organisations to design activities with community before implementing them, ISEP leverages the distinct strengths and interests of local First Nations communities and employers.
Complementing (but not duplicating) mainstream employment services, ISEP-funded activities align with regional priorities and are guided by local knowledge. In this way, activities funded through ISEP will make an impact where it is most needed.
ISEP is consistent with the aims of the Closing the Gap Agreement and especially priority reform 3, which seeks a transformation in the way government operates – including by delivering services in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
ISEP Design
The ISEP’s design draws on thorough consultations with community that took place in August and September 2021 – as well as Australian and international research. You can read more about the work that went into designing ISEP by reading the ISEP Consultation Outcomes Report.
ISEP Grant selection process
The ISEP grant opportunity was a competitive process. Applications have now closed.
The NIAA is currently negotiating contracts with successful applicants
Partnerships
ISEP is about partnership: participating organisations stand to benefit from the sharing of local knowledge, while jobseekers will be better off because the activities that ISEP will support will better fit their circumstances.
In order to help participating organisations connect with each other, an ISEP Partnership Register (XLSX 68 KB) has been developed.
If you would like to register your organisation’s interest in partnering with an ISEP-participating organisation, then you can register your interest.
Empowered Communities
The Commonwealth Government is committed to a partnership approach to regional planning and investment with the Empowered Communities regions of East and West Kimberley, Central Coast NSW, Cape York, Inner Sydney, North East Arnhem Land, Ngarrindjeri in SA, Far West Coast of South Australia, the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, and Goulburn-Murray.
Where an application targeted or included an Empowered Communities region, Empowered Community representatives were invited to participate in the assessment process with NIAA.
The Empowered Communities model is a First Nations designed and led shared decision making initiative that places Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in true partnership with the Australian Government. For further information on the Empowered Communities regions see empoweredcommunities.org.au.
Further information
For more information about the ISEP, you can contact the ISEP team at isep@niaa.gov.au.
Resources
- ISEP Consultations and Discussion Paper – Findings report
- Indigenous skills and employment Program (ISEP) Discussion Paper
For all enquiries please contact isep@niaa.gov.au.
