Celebrating 15 years of Given the Chance at ANZ
ANZ is proud to this week celebrate its 15-year partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Given the Chance program.
Beginning with five refugee placements in a 2007 pilot, ANZ’s involvement in the program has continued to grow each year, with 2022 seeing 55 placements across the organisation. Refugee Week is an opportunity to reflect on the value of this program for ANZ.
Given the Chance provides meaningful employment opportunities for job seekers facing disadvantage, specifically refugees and asylum seekers. 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.
ANZ Managing Director Retail Banking, Katherine Bray said: “Given the Chance has had an enormous impact at ANZ over the last 15 years. The opportunity to join a professional workplace in Australia has helped many people gain invaluable practical experience and build their networks.”
“This impact has not only benefited participants of the program, but the ANZ community who have worked alongside them. The ability to empower refugees who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve – while also enhancing organisational performance and an inclusive culture – underscores its immense value to ANZ.”
Given the Chance has emerged as a valuable solution to the challenges faced by business leaders in the quest to unlock and retain talent. In 2023, we’ve continued to support job seekers into meaningful opportunities with the bank, and been able to respond to geopolitical issues by welcoming Ukrainian refugees to ANZ through the program.
Brotherhood of St Laurence Senior Manager, Jo Tabit has worked alongside ANZ since it first established the program and said: “ANZ are an exceptional employer when it comes to working in partnership on diverse and inclusive employment. Over many years they have consistently provided real jobs for a range of people from marginalised groups in our community.”
“The resulting impact on the community can also be significant, with participants consistently using their newfound success to give back to their communities, mentoring youth and providing extensive advice and support within their networks. Some even travel back to their home countries, using their new corporate skills to raise funds, alleviate poverty, provide training, materials and support.”
Given the Chance is one of many programs ANZ supports to foster an inclusive and diverse workforce. As the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s flagship employment program, it provides training and targeted placements across many sectors, including banking and finance. Expressions of interest for job seekers are open year-round and can be submitted HERE.
ANZ is committed to building, celebrating, and leveraging the diversity of our workforce while driving an inclusive environment across the organisation.