An evaluation of the Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration (EPRI) program, an Australian place-based initiative supporting refugees and humanitarian entrants with significant barriers to employment. The report outlines how the program is designed to assist individuals with low English proficiency, limited formal skills or complex settlement challenges through flexible, tailored pathways into economic participation. 

A central feature of the program is its integration of training with real-world work experience within Nundah Community Enterprises Co-operative's (NCEC’s) social enterprises. Participants engage in practical, hands-on activities that build employability skills, confidence and social connections. The report emphasises that this 'learning by doing' model is more effective than traditional classroom-based approaches for this cohort, as it simultaneously supports skill development and social inclusion.

Findings indicate that the program delivers positive outcomes in terms of increased confidence, work readiness and community engagement. The report highlights the importance of wraparound support, including mentoring, language development and personalised pathways, as key to participant success. It also stresses the value of a flexible, non-linear approach that responds to individual needs rather than rigid program structures. 

Overall, the report concludes that community-based social enterprise models like EPRI can play a significant role in improving employment pathways and social integration for refugees, offering a promising and adaptable framework for broader application.