Media release – Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT) and TasTAFE, 23 October 2023
Diverse Leadership Program participants graduate
More than 20 Tasmanians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have today (Monday 23 October) celebrated the completion of a year-long program to equip them with leadership and management skills.
The Diverse Leadership Program is a partnership between the Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT) and TasTAFE to increase the diversity of leaders in Tasmanian workplaces.
MCOT and TasTAFE designed an accredited leadership program based on Certificate IV and Diploma of Business qualifications, tailored specifically to the needs of the diverse cohort of participants.
The program was delivered over 10 months, with participants undertaking training at TasTAFE as well as participating in mentorship, networking and job coaching.
MCOT CEO, Lee Wilson, said the program aimed to build a workforce that reflects the diversity in the local community.
“It’s about ensuring that cultural diversity is represented at all levels of business.
“We started the program with a really high calibre group, and throughout the year their leadership skills have been enhanced through this program. It’s been exciting to see the participants’ knowledge and confidence grow and their respective workplaces will benefit from what they have learnt,” Mr Wilson said.
TasTAFE CEO, Grant Dreher, said TasTAFE’s partnership with MCOT was an example of TasTAFE’s new approach to working more closely with industry and community partners to deliver training tailored to their specific needs.
“TasTAFE built a training program with elements from several different business qualifications tailored specifically to participants’ needs. Leadership skills covered included goal-setting and planning, communication, conflict-management and team-building skills.
“TasTAFE is proud to have contributed to increasing the diversity in leadership roles in Tasmania through this program,” Mr Dreher said.
Program participant Sansar Raj Chimauriya, who is President of the Nepali Society of Tasmania said: “Participating in the Diverse Leadership Program supported me getting to know myself and what is important to me. It gave me the ability to step forward and into a leadership role from a strong foundation.”
The program is funded by Skills Tasmania and will be offered again in 2024. People interested in the program can find out more via www.mcot.org.au.
