Given the Chance celebrates 15 years in partnership with ANZ

BSL’s Given the Chance employment program, in partnership with ANZ, recently celebrated a 15-year anniversary. Having started as a small pilot in 2007 with just five participants, Given the Chance has significantly grown its footprint across Victoria, and now extends to parts of NSW and Tasmania.

Throughout its involvement, ANZ has welcomed over 370 participants, with around 60 per cent continuing to build their careers through permanent roles at the bank. There are currently 19 participants in Victoria, 16 in NSW and a second participant about to start in Tasmania. 

The program provides training and targeted placements across many sectors, including banking and finance to those experiencing disadvantage, offering opportunities for meaningful, long-term employment.

Over the years, Given the Chance has supported many refugees and people seeking asylum into jobs. To mark the 15-year celebration in June, the Minister for Immigration the Hon Andrew Giles MP attended an ANZ and BSL function during Refugee Week. Hosted by ANZ’s CEO Shayne Elliott, Minister Giles commended the combined efforts of BSL, ANZ and all those who have been through the program. It was a wonderful celebration, and we look forward to working with ANZ and other employers to expand the program even further.

Listen to Hind’s moving story who, through Given the Chance, has found employment as an engineer with Fulton Hogan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d3IJ3ixK2s

For more information go to https://www.bsl.org.au/services/getting-a-job/given-the-chance/