Creating meaningful career pathways through Pathfinders

Creating meaningful employment opportunities for First Nations people is an important part of building stronger, more diverse workforces and communities. 

Our new Pathfinders program provides culturally informed support, helping employers recruit and develop First Nations apprentices and trainees while providing the guidance they need throughout their employment journey. 

We spoke with Jake, a proud Wiradjuri man and our First Nations Employment Partnerships and Pathways Manager, about the impact Pathfinders can have for First Nations people, employers and communities, and how the program provides an additional layer of support from recruitment through to completion.

Can you tell us about Pathfinders and what inspired the program? 

Pathfinders is MEGT’s specialist First Nations apprenticeship and traineeship program, connecting talented First Nations people with meaningful opportunities across Australia. 

It’s about creating pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships and long-term careers, while helping employers build inclusive and culturally safe workplaces where First Nations people can thrive.

Why is creating meaningful career opportunities for First Nations people so important for communities?

You can’t be what you can’t see. Representation matters, and seeing First Nations people succeed across different industries can help others see those opportunities as possible for them too. 

Meaningful employment can also strengthen connections between communities and employers, while creating long-term opportunities for individuals, families and communities.

What does a more diverse workforce bring to Australian businesses and the communities they operate in? 

A diverse workforce brings different skills, perspectives and lived experiences, while strengthening workplace culture and community connections. 

For First Nations people, inclusive workplaces can create opportunities for individuals, families and communities, while helping businesses build stronger connections with the communities they serve.

How does Pathfinders support employers and supervisors to create a workplace where First Nations apprentices and trainees can thrive?

Pathfinders provides support to both apprentices and trainees and their employers. This includes cultural awareness, guidance on protocols and support to navigate situations that may arise in the workplace. 

We work with each organisation to understand their needs and help create an environment where First Nations people feel supported, valued and able to succeed.

What makes the support provided through Pathfinders different from a traditional apprenticeship or traineeship? 

Pathfinders focuses on the person, not just the placement. 

Alongside employment and training, participants receive dedicated ongoing guidance, particularly during their first 90 days in the role, and culturally informed support throughout their journey. We also work closely with employers and supervisors to ensure both sides have the guidance they need to succeed.

What would you say to an employer considering employing a First Nations apprentice or trainee through Pathfinders?

You’re creating more than a job opportunity — you’re helping open a pathway to a long-term career and making a meaningful difference to an individual, their family and their community. 

And you won’t be doing it alone. Pathfinders provides employers with recruitment support, cultural guidance and ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship or traineeship journey. 

Find out how Pathfinders can help your business build its workforce and create meaningful career opportunities for First Nations people.