Allianz Australia will employ up to 10 refugees and migrants over the next two years, under an innovative partnership with support group Settlement Services International (SSI).

The tie-up aims to improve employment and educational opportunities for SSI clients and enhance workforce diversity at Allianz.

The first employees began work under the program last week.

The three women and two men come from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Vietnam, with backgrounds in financial and community services.

The scheme mirrors Allianz’s graduate program, which includes two job rotations within a year that align with the employees’ backgrounds, skills and experience.

After the rotations, the insurer works with participants to identify suitable permanent roles.

Allianz Australia MD Niran Peiris says the company is proud to be part of such an innovative program.

“Allianz looks to afford opportunities to all sectors of society that have the skills to be part of our future workforce, and this includes refugees, migrants and asylum seekers,” he said.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis says the partner organisations desire a long-term, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.

“Allianz and SSI both have a vision of playing a key support role in the community in the areas of education, employment and addressing social justice issues,” she said.

“Refugees with no Australian work experience, no affordable options for the recognition of their skills and qualifications, and limited access to English language tuition face difficulties in gaining access to sustainable employment pathways.”

Allianz will also provide educational scholarships to help recently arrived refugees and asylum seekers integrate into their new communities.