Work for the Dole (WfD) is a government-funded work experience program designed to help clients gain skills and experience and improve their chances of getting a job.

WfD placements can be hosted by not-for-profit organisations, charities, Landcare groups and government agencies. While Work for the Dole placements are unpaid roles, host organisations are asked to provide a real ‘work like’ experience for participants.

Through WfD, many unemployed people satisfy their Mutual Obligation participation requirements to give something back to the Australian community. In return for their unemployment payments from the government, they undertake practical skills in the community that assist them to increase their employability so they can move on to paid employment.

By partnering with us we can work with you to help you to establish and deliver an effective Work for the Dole activity.

If you’re a not-for-profit organisation, charity, Landcare group, or government agency, and you’re interested in hosting a Work for the Dole activity, we can help.

We can work with you to help you to establish and deliver an effective Work for the Dole activity.

Through Work for the Dole, you can get access to people to help you to complete a community project, or to provide you with much needed support.

As well as benefiting your local communities, you will also provide local job seekers with skills and practical work-like experiences to help them in their search for work.

Ideally, places should last for six months continually. You will also need to enter into a Host Agreement before any job seekers can commence their placement.
 

Examples of Work for the Dole activities

• Retail work in not-for-profit stores such as those operated by major charity organisations.
• Providing additional assistance in the administration areas of eligible organisations.
• Gardening or maintenance activities in schools or aged care facilities. However, no caring, teaching or direct supervision roles will be allowed.
• Rehabilitation works of public parks and roadways.
• Restoration of community facilities.

Speak to your local APM team to find out how to get started with the Work for the Dole program.