Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration Program

Starting a new life in a new country brings both opportunities and challenges.  For refugees, finding secure employment is one of the most important steps towards independence and settlement.

The Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration Program (EPRI) was initiated by the Department of Home Affairs to fund social enterprises   to provide tailored  training and job readiness support to newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants.

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is proud to take part in this innovative program across South West Sydney and Greater Western Sydney.

About the Program

The EPRI program is designed to help refugees gain additional skills, improve their English proficiency, and obtain a certification, allowing them to enter the workforce with confidence. The program focuses on key employment areas where demand for skilled workers is high:

•    Warehousing and logistics – participants can achieve industry-recognised certification across a range of warehouse positions, including forklift driving and HR truck driving.

•    Retail – participants are equipped with customer service, sales, and merchandising skills to support a successful career in retail.

•    Sewing – a self-employment sewing pathway for participants with existing sewing skills wanting to start their own business. 

Alongside technical skills training, participants are offered:

•    Assistance with selecting a skilled development pathway in line with their career goals, and support with enrolment and registration for the selected program.

•    English language development tailored to the workplace.

•    Work experience in a real work environment to develop their confidence and understanding of workplace culture.

•    Job readiness training to ensure a smooth transition into employment.

•    Support with CV writing, job applications and interview preparation.

•    Job opportunities through our employment partners and ongoing support.

Why Employers Should Get Involved  

For employers, this program provides access to a motivated and well-prepared talent pool. Participants graduate with both the technical skills and the workplace readiness needed to contribute effectively from day one. Employers benefit by:

•    Recruiting staff who are job-ready – participants are trained, certified, and supported through the transition to employment.

•    Accessing new talent in key industries – particularly warehousing and retail, where workforce demand is growing.

•    Supporting diversity and inclusion – employing refugees not only strengthens workplace culture but also demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility.

•    Ongoing support – the EPRI team provides guidance and follow-up to ensure a smooth transition into the workplace. 

•    The possibility of tailoring training and work experience to prepare participants for specific roles.

Who Can Join

•    The program is open to individuals who have arrived in Australia on a refugee or humanitarian visa.  Referrals are encouraged from community organisations, settlement services, and support agencies working with refugees.

How to Get Involved

•    Self-Referral – if you are interested in this program and meet the visa requirements, please contact the EPRI team at epri@vinnies.org.au.

•    Employers – if you are interested in hiring skilled and motivated job seekers from the program, the EPRI team will gladly match your position with one of our qualified candidates. Please get in touch with us at epri@vinnies.org.au.

•    Community organisations – connect your clients with training, support, and real employment opportunities by referring them to the program. Email us at epri@vinnies.org.au.