“It’s incredible to be able to open up young, raw people’s eyes to what’s possible when working somewhere like Fed Square. We’re a large group with a workforce boasting a wide range of skills, and not many people know that. Introducing potential employees to our business at the beginning of their careers is extremely rewarding with many applying.”
As the cultural heart of Melbourne, Federation Square has an international reputation for its diverse entertainment offerings, world-class events, vibrant attractions and exciting ambiance. Each year the square plays host to millions of visitors, seeking to enjoy events along with the array of dining opportunities, shopping attractions, and tourism experiences.
A key aspect of Fed Square’s Civic Charter is giving back to the community, and one of the ways they honour this is via their ongoing partnership with the Father James Grant Foundation and Mission Engage.
How Fed Square is involved
Fed Square has enjoyed a lengthy involvement with Mission Engage, sharing their unique expertise and the insight of their skilled workforce with our participants at this internationally renowned venue. Mission Engage participants enjoy tours of the facility, workplace training, and staff interaction, with many going on to apply for positions at the establishment.
What Fed Square finds valuable
Access to potential employees
Working closely with Mission Engage participants, business not only gets to impart valuable knowledge and highlight attributes they deem important to their establishment but also witness potential employees and interact with them within a workplace environment.
Fed Square notes this as a major benefit of the program, with numerous participants among their job candidates.
Networking and exposure
“One of the great benefits of being involved with Mission Engage is the networking and additional exposure that is achieved.”
The Father James Grant Foundation aims to recognise our valued partners wherever possible. We foster networking opportunities between our sponsors, while also showcasing their workplace in a positive light to hundreds of job seekers each year.
Personally rewarding
For many businesses the rewarding nature of community work, along with an insight into the young workforce and its challenges, is a highlight of the program. Fed Square explains meeting and engaging with proactive young job seekers with unique and varied backgrounds is not only eye-opening but has a positive impact on staff and management alike.
“Sharing in the participants’ experiences, whilst taking them on an immersive tour of the back-of-house and Fed Square’s Labyrinth, is very rewarding. A highlight of the program was attending the participant’s presentations…their stories were both inspirational and entertaining and they all showed a great deal of professionalism.
“Whilst I’m sure participants gain valuable insights into Fed Square and the type of work we undertake, I personally find it extremely rewarding, especially being able to offer that different perspective.”
Civic Charter
The Father James Grant Foundation is proud to work with a number of nationally renowned businesses committed to contributing to their local communities, with Fed Square among these socially minded organisations. They note the ethos of Mission Engage aligns with their charter of community contribution.
“A key benefit for us here at Federation Square is to be able to give back to the community, which is an important aspect of our Civic Charter. Our aim is to bring people together, to connect with those who may not otherwise be exposed to these experiences and to also learn from their story.
A part of the employment solution
When devising Mission Engage, the Father James Grant Foundation was keen to implement a program that was mutually beneficial for participants and the businesses involved. But the ripples of change are felt far beyond the immediate experience, as Fed Square explains:
“The key aspect that I can see as critically important is in relation to providing pathways. At times, young adults can be disheartened by the recruitment process, especially when they experience some “knock-backs”. By participating in the program, they can share their experiences with other young adults and take away any learning, which might help with their future job-seeking efforts.”
About Mission Engage
Each Mission Engage program runs for four weeks and is tailored to suit the businesses involved.
It encompasses:
• Practical skills to improve professional behaviour, time management, and organisational ability
• Physical activities to build confidence and pride in capabilities and appearance.
• Psychological support to develop positive mental health, resilience and emotional intelligence.
• Workplace experience, gaining insights into workplaces, culture, and expectations.
• Mentoring to experience ‘real life’, building positive role models and networks.
Since its inception more than two years ago, Mission Engage has assisted hundreds of young people to find valuable employment at a time when youth unemployment is at its highest in years.
How you can be involved
The Father James Grant Foundation has two levels of sponsorship available to business:
• Via workplace experience and onsite training.
• Through financial sponsorship or our programs.
To learn more about Mission Engage, see here, or contact us directly to be part of the youth employment solution.
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