In partnership with the not-for-profit Desire to Aspire (D2A) and the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (ALUA) Aboriginal Engagement and Participation Team, Native Spirit is committed to providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for Indigenous youth through our Kwadjet Koorl Program. This initiative focuses on youth at risk of entering or re-entering the justice system, offering a structured, supportive pathway to a brighter future.
Addressing Barriers to Employment
We recognize that many of the young people in our program face significant barriers to employment, including low literacy, limited education, and unstable personal circumstances. Through the Kwadjet Koorl Program, these challenges are addressed with care and patience, helping trainees build confidence and develop skills that prepare them for long-term employment.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore various career paths within and beyond the nursery industry. Whether they choose to stay on in a permanent role at Native Spirit or pursue opportunities in other industries, we are committed to supporting their journey toward stable, rewarding careers.
Reconnecting Youth to the Land and Culture
By involving Indigenous youth in the large-scale cultivation and distribution of Western Australian native plants, we aim to create a powerful connection between individuals, the land, and their cultural heritage. This holistic approach helps ground participants, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging, while equipping them with the skills to become productive and valued members of society.
Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage
Disengaged youth, particularly from Indigenous communities, are often trapped in cycles of poverty, low education, substance abuse, and incarceration. These systemic issues disproportionately affect Indigenous Australians, making it critical to offer alternative solutions outside of the conventional institutional systems that too often fail them.
The Kwadjet Koorl Program, alongside D2A’s support, is designed to break these cycles by providing sustainable employment opportunities through our horticulture traineeships. We believe in treating every participant as a valuable member of society, deserving of dignity and the chance to succeed.
Growth and Opportunity in the Native Plant Industry
With Native Spirit's nursery poised for significant growth due to increasing demand from large-scale projects and online orders, our trainees will have plenty of work to keep them engaged and motivated. This dynamic industry offers participants not only employment but also the opportunity to develop specialized skills in a growing sector.
Pre-Employment Training (PET) for Lasting Success
To set trainees up for success, D2A has developed a Pre-Employment Training (PET) program. This culturally sensitive program equips trainees with the knowledge and skills necessary to overcome obstacles that may affect their ability to maintain permanent employment. Delivered by experienced facilitators in a safe and supportive environment, the PET helps trainees prepare for the challenges of the workplace while fostering personal growth.
Nationally Recognized Qualifications
Trainees in the Kwadjet Koorl Program enter into a formal training contract with D2A, leading to a nationally recognized Horticulture qualification. They gain hands-on experience through paid employment at the nursery, learning practical skills and applying them in real-world situations. In addition, structured training is provided through registered training organizations such as TAFE, ensuring that participants graduate with the credentials they need to succeed.
A Cost-Effective Community Solution
Investing in the Kwadjet Koorl Program is a far more cost-effective solution than allowing disengaged youth to remain unemployed, uneducated, and at risk of incarceration. The program provides a clear alternative, offering long-term benefits for both participants and the wider community. By supporting Indigenous youth through training and employment, we are reducing the social and economic costs associated with incarceration and creating pathways to prosperity.
Referral and Direct Application
Trainees can join the program through referrals from other organisations or by approaching us directly. We welcome all Indigenous youth seeking a positive change in their lives, offering them the chance to grow, learn, and build a brighter future.
Click on the button below to complete the Expression of Interest form for either yourself, or on behalf of a potential candidate. Once complete, please emal it to: joanne@nativespiritnursery.com.au