From Refugee to Employee: How Australian Companies Are Breaking Barriers and Offering Jobs

Australia Celebrates One Million Refugees

This week, Australia celebrates the one million refugees who have made a home here since the end of World War Two. While some employers are stepping up with jobs and training, there are also calls to cut the refugee intake, and some initiatives are at risk.

The Sydney Opera House Refugee Cadetship

When Natalia Akulova arrived in Australia from Ukraine in 2022, she dreamed of visiting the Sydney Opera House. She got more than she bargained for: she became part of a pilot refugee cadetship program at the iconic venue. The eight-week program helped her build confidence and skills. "It was a symbol of a new life," she says.

Prinisha Naidoo, Senior Manager of Equity and Inclusion at the Opera House, explains: "The primary intent was to give participants local experience and build professional networks. It's been mutually beneficial."

Overcoming Barriers

Waseem Michael Adam fled Iraq in 2022 with high-level IT skills but struggled to find work. "I applied for hundreds of jobs and didn't get accepted," he says. A social enterprise called Community Corporate connected him with the Opera House. Founder Carmen Garcia says: "The biggest barrier is no local experience. Partnerships with companies like the Opera House create a soft landing where refugees can prove their value."

Misconceptions and Backlash

Professor Betina Szkudlarek from the University of Sydney Business School warns that many employers hold misconceptions about refugees regarding visa status or skills. "Those who open their minds find a world of opportunities to expand their talent pool." She also notes a backlash against DEI initiatives in the US, which could affect refugee programs in Australia.

Louise Olliff from the Refugee Council of Australia says: "There is a shift in attitudes not in a great direction. Migrant and refugee communities report increasing abuse." She emphasizes that Australia's humanitarian program makes a huge difference.

IKEA's Refugee Workforce Inclusion Program

IKEA Australia started a Refugee Workforce Inclusion pilot in 2020, now permanent, training 280 people. Iryna Yarmoliuk, a Ukrainian refugee, says: "I speak four languages, which helps me communicate with customers. Through this job, I could live in a studio and pay rent myself." Harriet Pope, who oversees the program, says building career pathways is key: "Iryna progressed from sales coworker to customer coordinator."

A Call to Corporate Australia

Natalia Akulova, now starting a full-time role as a senior project coordinator, has a message: "It's hard to get a first job in Australia. Just give this chance. It's not charity—people are smart, skilled, and happy to contribute."