Indigenous jobs program aims to upskill the incarcerated

Indigenous jobs program aims to upskill the incarcerated.

Sky News • April 15, 2021

Second Chance for Change founder Steven Fordham discusses the purpose of his program – which aims to work with the NSW prison system to give employment opportunities to incarcerated Indigenous men.

”We’ve been running the program for the last couple of years – essentially it’s a work-release program, so the guys get to come out during a day, work in a mine site, get the opportunity for employment,” he told Sky News host Chris Kenny.

“To me a lot of people sort of look at prison as a punishment – but to me it’s all about rehabilitation.

Mr Fordham also said most inmates could show future employers they’ve acquired tools, skills, and experience over the “last couple of years” that shows they have prospects and a means to go forward in life.

“Essentially what we do is we give them those tools, so when they go and look for future employment, instead of going in and going ‘well what have you done for the last couple of years’ – they can say ‘I’ve been working for this company… I’ve got a job opportunity, I’ve got a way to progress and I’ve got a way to go forward.”

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There’s been one topic of discussion in Canberra this week, jobs jobs and more jobs.

By Australian Mining • September 6, 2022

The federal government kicked off a two day Jobs and Skills summit at Parliament House yesterday, and there has been plenty of interest from the Hunter region. Founder and managing director of Blackrock Industries, based in Muswellbrook, Steve Fordham is at the summit and spoke more to Amelia Bernasconi.

The resources sector underpins indigenous business.

By Australian Government • May 18, 2022

Blackrock Industries are experienced mining contractors, providing comprehensive mining services to clients across New South Wales (NSW) and in other states. Founded in Muswellbrook, NSW, by Steve Fordham, Blackrock Industries began as a labour hire company with one truck and two workers. Now Blackrock Industries is situated in 17 locations across Australia and employs more than 100 people, including 20 rehabilitated inmates and a 75 per cent Indigenous workforce. Blackrock Industries is creating opportunities for Indigenous Australians and women. The business creates solutions that both serve society and work alongside local communities as they grow and develop. In its first 18 months, the company grew rapidly, providing mining services to the resources sector. With a small but highly skilled team of mining professionals, engineers and other specialists, Blackrock Industries focuses on working with clients to improve Indigenous workplace and economic participation. Blackrock Industries quickly became a sustainable and profitable company, grossing $2 million in their first 12 months, and another $2.4 million in the following six months. Steve Fordham strives to balance his business ambitions with his strong inclusive values and roots as a Kamilaroi man. He is committed to creating positive solutions for communities and the environment, including to create jobs and drive regional economies. As a member of the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council Board, Steve recognises that Muswellbrook has the highest Aboriginal population in the Hunter Valley and is working towards creating employment for the majority of the population.