Work for the Dole projects
Melbourne North West
For more information about each project, please call (03) 9094 3020.
Bake 'n' Rake
Participants will be involved in preparing & serving community lunches & prepare food for delivery. General garden maintenance of the Centre's gardens will also be carried out on this activity, including mowing, planting, design and painting. Participants will be involved in:
- Preparing food
- Setting up dining venue (tables & chairs, cutlery etc)
- Purchasing of food
- Prepare venue for community events
- Basic office administration & office skills
- Liaise with sponsors & members of the community
- Telemarketing
Potential Job Pathways: Chef, Kitchen Hand, Hospitality, Office Assistant, Cleaner, Gardner
Address: 1 Dixie Court, Coolaroo
Days: Tuesday and Wednesday
Computer Bank
This activity is aimed at recycling computers that are donated by industry and redistributed back in to local and international community organisations and low-income individuals. Participants will refurbish computers, configure and install open source operating systems and software. Participants will also receive training in:
- Computer hardware installation and testing
- Operating system and software installation
- End user training, system and user documentation
Potential Job Pathways: IT Administrator, IT Programmer, IT Systems Designer, Help Desk Technician
Address: Victoria Street, West Melbourne
Days: Wednesday and Thursday
Events and Fundraising
Participants will be involved in planning fundraising events, annual Christmas celebration & the Victoria Multicultural Festival 2008 with Coolaroo West Community House. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to gain experience in events management.
Tasks include:
- Networking with other Community organisations
- Coordinating publicity and media
- Creating and invitations, programs, voting sheets, applications, leaflets and posters
- Team work
- Working to deadlines
- Telemarketing to seek support from local businesses
- Coordinating bookings and entry tickets
- Attend meetings
Potential Job Pathways: Events Coordinator, Events Assistant, Receptionist, Telemarketer
Address: 1 Dixie Court, Coolaroo
Days: Monday and Thursday
Creative IT Design
Participants will join the Kangan IT Graphic & Web Design Studio and undertake computer & graphic design work. This will include:
- Designing logo's
- Creating pamphlets & newsletters
- Documents & databases
- Website design for local community organisations
Participants will have the opportunity of using: Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Illustrator, Photoshop, MS Office, Publisher, PowerPoint and MYOB
Potential Job Pathways: Graphic Designer, Systems Designer, IT Analyst, Web Designer/Developer
Address: 38 Buckley Street, Essendon
Days: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
IT Design Group
Participants will be involved in design and creation of posters, pamphlets, newsletters, logos and setting up documents and databases for local community organisation. This is a great activity for those with a creative side.
This activity will include:
- Designing logo's
- Creating pamphlets & newsletters
- Documents & databases
- Website design for local community organisations
Participants will have the opportunity of using: Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Illustrator, Photoshop, MS Office, Publisher, PowerPoint and MYOB
Potential Job Pathways: Graphic Designer, Systems Designer, IT Analyst, Web Designer/Developer
Address: Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows
Days: Thursday and Friday
KB's Cafe 4
This is a fantastic activity for those looking to gain experience in the hospitality industry. The project is run at Kangan Batman TAFE Essendon campus. Participants will be involved in:
- Customer service
- Food preparation
- Operation of an Espresso machine
- Menu planning and design
- Purchasing
- Daily takings
- Profit & loss statements
Participants will receive accredited training in Food Handling & Safety.
Potential Job Pathways: Barista, café assistant, kitchen hand, chef
Address: 38 Buckley Street, Essendon
Days: Monday to Thursday
Living Legends 3
Participants will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of traditional and modern construction methods as well as renovation work applied to historical buildings.
Tasks include:
- Applying render and hard plaster
- Whitewashing walls
- Painting hand rails
- Creating garden beds
- Making walking paths
- General garden maintenance
- Furniture restoration
Potential Job Pathways:Plasterer, Builder/Carpenter, Painter, Landscape Gardener
Address: Oaklands Road, Greenvale
Days: Wednesday and Thursday
Community Admin
This is activity is perfect for those looking to gain new or refresh old skills in an office administration. Participants will receive formal training followed by practical work experience and placement at the Cyprus Community Centre in Coburg.
Skills gained:
- Filing
- Mail outs
- Computer use
- Archiving
- Use of phone, fax & other office equipment
Potential Job Pathways: Office Clerk, Office Administrator, Receptionists, Office Manager
Address: 124 Bell Street, Coburg Vic 3058
Days: Wednesday and Thursday
North West Support
Participants will be placed individually within a local community not-for-profit organisation and will be involved in a real working environment. OH&S training and basic office skills may be provided prior to commencement and will receive support throughout their placement. Placements will be matched to participant's interests and skills.
Some current placements include:
- Administration and IT
- Reception & Customer Service
- Sales, Hospitality and Retail
- Maintenance and Gardening
- Integration Aid
Address: Various Locations
Days: Various Days
Police Check may be required
Oasis Project
Kildonan Uniting Care's Coburg Community Hub is the location of a large Community Garden where this particular Work for the Dole activity will take place. The OASIS project will offer participants the opportunity to participate in a broad range of tasks including:
- General gardening and maintenance of existing garden areas
- Site preparation
- Construction of garden beds and retaining walls
- Propagation of plants and care of existing plants
- Painting
- Paving and concreting
- Installation of irrigation systems
Potential Job Pathways: Trades Assistant, Gardener, Construction Worker, Painter
Address: 512 Sydney Road, Coburg
Days: Thursday and Friday
Restoration and Repair
Participants will repair and restore wooden furniture for pre-schools, schools and hospitals. Gaining skills and work experience in carpentry, wood work and machinery operation while working within a safe workshop environment.
Tasks will include:
- machine operation
- using hand tools
- cutting
- sanding
- gluing
- shaping and assembling parts
- varnishing
- measure and mark the materials
- verify dimensions
- trim parts using hand tools such as planes, sanders to ensure a tight fit
- storing
- labelling
- reception duties
- store person duties
Potential Job Pathways: Trades Assistant
Address: 16 Michael Street, Brunswick
Days: Wednesday and Thursday
Melbourne Inner East
For more information about each project, please call (03) 9094 3020.
Accessing Work Experience
Participants will have the opportunity to be placed within a local community or not-for-profit organisation and will be involved in a real working environment. OH&S training and basic office skills may be provided prior to commencement and will receive support throughout their placement. Placements will be matched to participant's interests and skills.
Some current placements include:
- Administration and IT
- Reception & Customer Service
- Sales, Hospitality and Retail
- Maintenance and Gardening
Participants will be interviewed to ascertain skills and interests and then matched with an appropriate host organisation.
Potential Job Pathways: Office administrator, Receptionist, Sales Assistant, Landscape Gardener, Horticulture
Address: Various Locations
Days: Various Days
Police Check required
Office Business IT
Participants will work independently and in a team to ensure the successful completion of marketing tools for a community organisation. Participants will learn office skills, word processing, spreadsheet applications and relevant software.
Tasks include:
- sort and distribute incoming mail/ dispatch outgoing mail
- type and/ or write letters, reports or office memos using a PC/word processing software
- answer telephone calls and/or use a phone system
- attend to visitors and assist other staff
- operate office equipment (e.g. photocopiers, computers and faxes)
- file papers and documents.
Potential Job pathways: Office assistant, Receptionist, Customer Service, Telemarketing
Address: Level 2, 240 Chapel Street Prahran
Days: Monday & Thursday
Work Force
Participants are individually placed to assist and support local community, non-profit organisations and learning centres. These placements range from Community Centres, Op-Shops, Neighbourhood Houses, Warehouses and Environmental Groups located across suburbs in the Inner East.
Tasks include:
- advise customers on the location, selection and price of goods available
- price, stack and display items for sale in addition to assist in maintaining a clean, attractive retail environment
- sort and distribute incoming mail/ dispatch outgoing mail
- type and/ or write letters, reports or office memos using a PC/word processing software
- answer telephone calls and/or use a phone system
- attend to visitors and assist other staff; operate office equipment (e.g. photocopiers, computers and faxes); file papers and documents
Potential Job pathways: Sales Assistant, Retail Operations, Office Assistant, Receptionists
Address: Level 2, 240 Chapel Street Prahran
Days: Monday & Thursday
Inner East IT Design
Participants will be part of the Kangan IT Creative Design Studio and will work on briefs from community organisations for computer and graphic design work, e.g. creating documents, pamphlets, newsletters, databases, designing logos and websites.
Tasks:
- Basic office and computer skills
- Graphic design and web skills including basic animated banners, buttons and GIFS. Packages used: MYOB; Illustrator; Photoshop; PowerPoint; MS Office; Dreamweaver; Swish; 3D Studio Max and Publisher
- Front desk, reception and marketing
- Design, illustration, web page construction and project management.
Potential Job pathways: Graphic Designer, Office Assistant, Customer Service, Web Page Designer
Address: 70 Gwynne Street, Richmond
Days: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
SKA TV Inner East Project
SKA TV produces and edits shows to be screened on Channel 31. This activity allows participants to try their hand at Media Production, Audiovisual, editing, archiving and project management.
Tasks include:
- Research
- Camera
- Editing
- Office admin
- Project management
- Data management
- Audio visual materials data
- Catalogue management and store work.
Potential Job pathways: Camera Operator, Editor, Film, Project Manager, Audiovisual technician
Address: Suite 75, Trades Hall Crn of Victoria and Lygon Streets Carlton
Days: Thursday and Friday
Artistic Flair
Participants will create artworks for an exhibition which will be donated to local charities. In addition participants receive training in all aspects of professional artistic practice; grant applications, marketing, administrative procedures etc.
Training occurs largely through individualised tutorials, combined with regular group learning activities.
Jobseekers also cover all aspects and event management relating to the arts.
Tasks will include:
- Induction to the work of artists in the community.
- Occupational Health and Safety training.
- Visits to studios and galleries.
- Technical assistance in (e.g. building, crafting, photographic, video, painting, sculpture)
- Reception work (includes responding to queries from the public) and all aspects of hanging exhibitions.
- Clerical component includes writing grant submissions, book keeping, devising budgets, and filing.
- Hospitality component includes staffing exhibition openings - catering.
We are also able to offer an advanced level 2 first aid certificate short course.
Potential Job pathways: Artist, Gallery Assistant, Customer Service
Address: 39 Greeves Street St Kilda
Days: Tuesday and Wednesday
Art Bank
Participants will be involved in the creation of a variety of decretive art works that will be used by local community organisations, medical centres, community houses etc. These works will include paintings, mosaic, gardening and sculptures.
Participants will undertake:
- The creation of the artworks which will involve a variety of art and construction techniques
- The establishment of a new community enterprise will require participants to undertake some market research and community consultation
- The marketing of the enterprise will require participants to consider an effective marketing business plan and implement it.
- The participants will maintain and manage the goods and materials stock intake, access and dispatch
Potential Job pathways: Garden landscaper, painter, mosaic artist, designer
Address: 314 Church Street, Richmond
Days: Monday and Thursday
Melbourne North
For more information about each project, please call (03) 9094 3020.
Community Pathways
Participants are individually placed to assist and support local community groups. These include Community Centres, Op-Shops, also Neighbourhood Houses and Environmental groups located throughout the Northern suburbs.
Participants will focus on two main areas of work experience:
Retail:
- participants will be involved in advising customers on the location and selection and price of goods available
- price, stack and display items for sale in addition to assisting and maintaining a clean, attractive retail environment
Administration:
- participants may be involved in sorting and distributing of mail
- type and /or write letters, reports or office memos using a PC/word processing software
- answer telephone calls and/or use a phone system
- attend to visitors and assist other staff
- operate office equipment (e.g. photocopiers, computers, and faxes)
- file papers and documents
Potential Job pathways: Office Administration, Sales Assistant, Receptionist, Customer Service Officer
Address: Initial interview at 355 High St Northcote and then placed with various organisations over the Northern suburbs
Days: Various Days
Police Check may be required
Community Work Experience
Participants can select from a variety of Community organisations offering a wide range of work experience positions such as Teachers Aide, childcare, maintenance & gardening, general clerical, retail and more. This activity will support services provided by not-for-profit Community organisations.
Participants may be able to undertake tasks such as:
- Administration, general office support, data entry, filing, faxing
- Reception duties
- IT computer support
- Child care/ Teachers Aide
- Retail, customer service and sales assistance
- Gardening/landscaping
- General maintenance and Repairs
Potential Job pathways: Administrations Officer, Office Assistant, IT Help Desk, Retail Assistant, Receptionist
Address: Initial interview at 713 Plenty Rd Reservoir and then placed with various organisations over the Northern suburbs
Days: Various Days
Police Check may be required
Community Mix
Participants will be placed with a community organisation performing a variety of support roles that match their interest and skills. A broad range of community groups will be involved, including community houses, environmental organisations, libraries and retail outlets, which provide a range of work experience opportunities to participants throughout the Northern suburbs. Participants may be able to undertake tasks such as:
- Administration, general office support (data entry, filing, faxing etc)
- Reception duties
- IT computer support
- Library and research
- Retail, customer service and sales assistance
- Gardening/landscaping and General maintenance
Potential Job pathways: Library assistant, IT Support Officer, Administration Assistant, Receptionist, Sales Assistant, Landscape/Gardener, Handy Man
Address: Various Locations
Days: Various Days
Police Check may be required
Engine and Bike Repair
The main part of the project will be push bike repairs, participants will begin with planning, gathering, assessing damage of items and materials needed. Participants will learn about disassembling and restoring pushbikes of all shapes, sizes and in different conditions. They will learn how to detect faults, mechanical repairs, replacing components, rebuilding and painting, paint small parts, repairing punchers, fix rust, oil chains, adjusting gears, brakes and buckles out of wheels. Participants will gain customer service experience.
Participants will also be involved in servicing and repairing property maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers and whipper snipers. Participants may have the opportunity to learn minor car servicing, checks carried out on shockers, tyres, brakes, wipers, suspension, oil and water leaks etc. change oil, fuel filter and air-cleaner. This will be done under the strict supervision of our qualified mechanic. Participants will learn the art of listening and assessing each client's needs, then taking all details down, including writing up a worksheet service report.
All participants are required to do an induction with VCSN, First Aid Awareness and OH&S course on commencement of the project.
Potential Job pathways: Mechanic
Address: 713 Plenty Rd Reservoir 3073
Days: Tuesday and Wednesday
Fantastic Furniture
The project involves participants using craft cabinet making techniques to make modern day furniture. Participants will be encouraged to use their own designs. The finished products will be sold through St Vincent De Paul stores to assist them with their charitable works.
Skills gained will include:
- Design - Measuring and cutting wood
- Sanding
- Assembling (using screws/joins/glues)
- Shaping
- Applying varnish/paint
Potential Job pathways: Furniture Maker, Carpenter, Builder, Furniture Design
Address: 4/2 Irene Street, Preston
Days: Wednesday and Thursday
IT Revamp
B2C recyclers receive redundant IT equipment from individuals or companies wishing to recycle their equipment. Equipment is dropped off and receipts are issued to the donating parties. The equipment then begins its journey through B2C to be re-used or environmentally recycled. The following outlines the activities participants would be involved in:
Stores: Sorting of waste (metal, plastics, etc) for disposal, Identification of equipment for refurbishment, Identification and separation of redundant components and those that may be useful, Packing monitors by pallet for export, Picking and packing of ordered goods, Input stock data to database, Maintaining a clean and safe workplace.
Warehouse: Assisting with pickups of donated equipment, Unloading deliveries; individual or corporate donations, Input Stock movement to database, Labelling stored items, Loading containers, Preparing orders for pickup.
Product assembly: Testing computers, monitors, printers and peripherals, Assembling/disassembling pc's, printers, monitors and peripherals.
Potential Job pathways: IT Support Services, Warehousing, Storesperson
Address: Factory 19/ 391 Settlement Rd Thomastown
Days: Wednesday and Thursday
Office Worx
The activity will provide training and work experience in office work.
Skills gained include:
- Computer operation
- Mail handling
- Reception
- Faxing
- Phone techniques
- Customer service
Participants will receive formal training organised by Employment & Training Network, followed by practical work experience in their office.
Potential Job pathways: Office Administrator
Address: West Heidelberg (Near Northland Shopping Centre)
Days: Monday and Tuesday
SKA TV North Project
SKA TV produces and edits shows to be screened on Channel 31. This activity allows participants to try their hand at Media Production, Audiovisual, editing, archiving and project management.
Tasks include:
- research
- camera
- editing
- office admin
- project management
- data management
- audio visual materials data
- catalogue management and store work
Potential Job pathways: Camera Operator, Editor, Film, Project Manager, Audiovisual technician
Address: Trades Hall Building Carlton
Days: Thursday and Friday
Time: 10.00am until 6.00pm.
Northern Banquet
Participants will be involved in the preparation, shopping, cooking and serving of community lunches at the Northern Community Centre in Preston. Places also available in the warehouse and op shop.
The hospitality activity involves discussions and decisions for menu choice for morning tea and lunches, shopping, meal preparation, cooking, serving and cleaning. The aim is to provide hospitality to all workers and visitors to the Centre, which includes the lonely, isolated, homeless, unemployed and those looking for support with life issues.
The Op Shop provides an opportunity to gain retail experience as a shop assistant that includes sorting of goods, serving customers, use of washing machine/dryer, pricing of goods and general upkeep of the shop.
The Store person will work with others in the delivery and pick up of goods for the Op-Shop. Duties include: Sorting of all goods for the shop, packing goods to be donated to other charitable organisations, sorting metal items and to be sold and general warehouse duties.
Potential Job pathways: Retail, Administration, Hospitality
Address: 81 High Street Preston Vic 3072
Days: Monday and Tuesday
Tele-Vision
Tele-Vision will assist in promoting Northern Access Television's vision of access to media for all. Participants will gain experience in administration, marketing and promotions; connecting community groups with NAT and Channel 31 programs.
A range of marketing and promotional services will be coordinated and participants will assist in planning and promoting the event, gaining sponsorship, attracting media coverage and developing community partnerships.
Some computer training will be given as required. Programs may include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Graphic design, web design and video editing will also be used to create advertisements and community services announcements for television and radio.
Potential Job pathways: Marketing, Administration
Address: 263 High Street Preston
Days: Monday and Tuesday