EMPLOYERS and job-seekers who have disabilities have a chance to see what each other has to offer in a new intern program this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Centacare is hosting AccessAbility days all next week, connecting clients with a workplace for day in a bid to get both employers and clients thinking more broadly what could be possible.
A trial last year was a beginning, but Centracare chief executive officer Tony Fitzgerald said this official launch was about reaching further across the community.
Don't dismiss people who have a disability from your workplace. You'll find they can contribute in meaningful ways. This is a chance to see that.
- Tony Fitzgerald, Centacare chief executive officer
“We want to say, don't dismiss people who have a disability from your workplace. You'll find they can contribute in meaningful ways. This is a chance to see that,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
For job-seekers, the aim is to taste a workplace or role in their career interests.
Mr Fitzgerald said the program was about empowering job-seekers but also for the employers to learn who people with a disability could bring to the workplace – obligation free – and the support services available, so it need not be an overwhelming prospect to considering such a job candidate.
headspace Ballarat’s Andy Penny said he could hardly wait to give a chance to job-seekers in the youth mental health organisation’s Camp Street base.
“We’re massive fans of diversity and looking at someone’s skills, what they can do,” Mr Penny said. “We’re happy to be supporting this program.”
Job-seekers will be matched to participating employers for one day during the week, but employers can take on multiple people during the program.
Centacare is an official Disability Employment Service, with a dedicated team offering employment assistance to people with permanent disability, injury or health conditions to find sustainable employment.
AccessAbility Day will run from November 26-30in the week of 26 th – 30 th November.
Centacare is open to interested employers across the region joining the program. For more details, contact DES employment consultant Travis Preston on 5337 8920.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.