Empowering one million people to find employment by 2034

I’m excited to share the launch of Hero Foundation, Employment Hero’s new philanthropic venture, with a mission to help one million people overcome barriers to employment by 2034. As General Manager, I’m keen to work with some amazing partners to open up job opportunities for those who need them most.

Hero Foundation is partnering with organisations that already provide job readiness programs, helping people gain the skills and confidence to enter the workforce. What’s unique is how we’re using Employment Hero’s SmartMatch recruitment technology to support these efforts. SmartMatch is an AI-powered tool that connects job seekers with employers faster and more effectively, making the recruitment process easier and more transparent.

Traditionally, recruitment can be fragmented, with job seekers often having to navigate multiple platforms and processes. SmartMatch eliminates that hassle by directly connecting people with employers and showcasing roles that might otherwise be hard to find. This is a big advantage for our charity partners, allowing them to focus on their core mission while we use technology to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers.

Kicking off with our first three partners

We’re kicking things off with three fantastic partners – Humans of Purpose Academy, Generation Australia and Fortem Australia – each already doing incredible work in helping people into employment. Hero Foundation is here to amplify its efforts by using our recruitment technology to create even more opportunities.

Humans of Purpose Academy is a non-profit that supports women who have survived domestic violence. They provide these women with training, mentoring and peer support to help them rebuild their lives and careers. Mel Greblo, their CEO, described Hero Foundation as “the missing piece of the puzzle” for connecting their members with great employers. Our platform helps to make that connection faster and more efficient, opening new doors for these women.

Generation Australia is another amazing partner. They run training programs for people facing employment barriers, including youth, women and First Nations people. Their graduates are highly prepared and confident, with 85% being rehired by organisations they’ve worked with. By partnering with Hero Foundation, Generation Australia can help their graduates connect with small and medium businesses across Australia, helping address the skills shortages we’re seeing nationwide.

Fortem Australia, an existing Employment Hero customer, is our third partner. They support first responders and their families as they transition into new careers. These individuals often struggle to highlight their transferable skills in traditional recruitment processes. Using our AI-powered recruitment tool, Fortem members can now showcase their experience in ways that truly resonate with employers, creating new opportunities for them to apply their skills in different fields.

Technology driven solutions for long term impact

At its heart, Hero Foundation is all about creating equal opportunities for everyone, no matter their background. Our CEO, Ben Thompson, has always been passionate about the idea that everyone deserves a chance to earn a living wage. Hero Foundation is a way to bring that belief to life. We’re not just helping people overcome personal challenges – we’re also addressing broader issues, like skills shortages in sectors like aged care, construction and renewable energy.

Through SmartMatch, we’re able to help people find jobs while giving employers access to a diverse and often untapped workforce. Research shows that people who have faced barriers to employment often outperform their peers in areas like productivity, engagement and innovation. By bringing these individuals into the spotlight, Hero Foundation is helping both job seekers and employers unlock new potential.

How our customers can get involved

Ultimately, Hero Foundation is about much more than just job placements. It’s about reshaping the future of work by connecting people to opportunities they might not have had access to before. We’ve set ambitious goals, but with the support of our partners and the power of technology, we’re confident we can make a real impact.

To our existing valued customers: your business plays a crucial role in this mission and has the power to transform lives. By hiring through Hero Foundation, you can expand your team while giving motivated individuals facing employment barriers a chance to thrive. This aligns with the very ethos of SMEs that take pride in contributing to their local communities.

By offering opportunities to people ready and eager to work, your business becomes a catalyst for positive change, strengthening the community and helping individuals succeed. We encourage our existing customers to consider Hero Foundation candidates for job opportunities and join us in making a meaningful difference.

I’m excited about this journey and look forward to working with even more organisations to make a difference. Hero Foundation shows what’s possible when technology meets purpose. Together, we can create lasting impact and reshape the future of work.

If you’re interested in learning more or partnering with us, please reach out to: herofoundation@employmenthero.com.