Workforce Innovation & Development Institute (WIDI)
WIDI is an ethical, not-for-profit consultancy and service provider, embedded within RMIT University. We design, implement, and evaluate programs and policies that help build a strong social services workforce. In collaboration with partners across industry, government, and the education sector, WIDI strives to find innovative solutions to longstanding challenges.
The Workforce Innovation and Development Institute at RMIT University partners with the social service sector, government and the higher education and skills system to respond to our shared workforce challenges.
Our mission is to build a stronger community, supported by a diverse, skilled, responsive, healthy and innovative social service workforce.
We are a skilled and trusted partner, applying our sector knowledge and expertise in research, education and social innovation to design and implement practical, scalable, workforce solutions.
The Workforce Innovation and Development Institute at RMIT University partners with the social service sector, government and the higher education and skills system to respond to our shared workforce challenges.
Our mission is to build a stronger community, supported by a diverse, skilled, responsive, healthy and innovative social service workforce.
We are a skilled and trusted partner, applying our sector knowledge and expertise in research, education and social innovation to design and implement practical, scalable, workforce solutions.
A new report by The Council to Homeless Persons and RMIT’s Workforce Information and Development Institute (WIDI) has found that annual staff turnover in the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) workforce has consistently remained around 20% since 2011 and reached as high as 26% in recent years.
The cost of this workforce churn has been estimated at over $20 million annually. A new workforce planning platform to support Specialist Homelessness Services and the community and social services sector is the first to utilise a novel and innovative linked-data workforce planning and development approach designed for the social services workforce.
We work collaboratively with our partners to provide services in four key areas:
We have expertise in working with organisations of all sizes and service types in describing job roles, identifying job families and articulating core functions. We use this to recognise competencies, identify skill gaps and training needs, and assist organisations to recruit, develop and retain a quality workforce.
We have expertise in designing and leading on evidence-based developmental evaluations and in the collation and analysis of new data sources to inform workforce planning and interventions.
We have led the design and implementation of earn-and-learn programs – combining paid employment and training in a new traineeship model. Our tailored approach to training is informed by industry to build the skills workers need to deliver quality care. Our experienced mentors, alongside industry supervisors, build the confidence of new workers – helping them succeed in training and at work.
We offer high-level research and analytical services; report production; facilitation; and other generalist consultancy services on all matters relevant to building a stronger social service sector.
In all our work, WIDI’s main focus is on ensuring that what we do has a beneficial impact for our community. To that end, we pride ourselves on a flexible and client-focussed approach – putting the quality and usefulness of our work above other priorities.
The Workforce Innovation & Development Institute (WIDI) is proud to announce its selection to operate the Graduate Resource Centre (GRC) component of the Community and Social Services Graduate Program. This initiative is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH).
The Graduate Resource Centre is an important component of the graduate program contributing to how graduates will access and participate in the program. The GRC will provide you with a simple and streamlined process for applying for positions in participating organisations, and if successful, coordinate and oversee your participation in the learning and development activities across a 12-month program and support you and your employers to access learning and development opportunities.
Successful applicants will be connected to a graduate role in the community and social services and will be fully paid in accordance with industry awards and conditions.
If you are already have a role in community services sector (been employed for less that 12-months) and have graduated within the last 2-years, then you may be nominated by your employer for direct entry into the Graduate program. This will provide you with access to mentoring, peer netowrks and a structured learning and development program relevant to your role.
Join the Graduate Resource Centre and launch your rewarding career in the community and social services sector!
For further information or to talk with one of our team, please contact us at Graduateresourcecentre@rmit.edu.au
RMIT University, Building 152
Level 2, 147-155 Pelham Street
Carlton VIC 3053
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm
To visit the team, please make an appointment via email (widi@rmit.edu.au)
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
