SPENDING a day immersed in an information technology department is what Jack Cooper feels to be a fresh start.
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Mr Cooper has been back in Ballarat for about a year without much luck in find a job or relevant experience.
He joined Centacare’s IT team for a day this past week for AccessAbilities program, which Centacare hosted across the organisation. The program connects employers and clients who have disabilities for a day’s work experience in a bid to get more people thinking broader on what could be possible.
Mr Cooper has cerebellar spinal ataxia, which affects his muscle coordination, but has been keenly pursuing a chance for further studies in information technology.
A day working with Centacare’s IT team gave him a taste of the work and confirmed this was an industry he wanted join.
“This feels good,” Mr Cooper said. “It’s a great opportunity. I’m quite a bit older than most people applying to study IT or looking for a job. It’s nice to be able to have some experience. This is a fresh start for me.”
Mr Cooper jumped right in, installing operating systems, setting up phones, testing keyboards and even sorting out printer issues for the team.
Centacare trialled the AccessAbilities program last year and, as an official Disability Employment Service, stepped up the scale this year. Other clients tested out a day as a builder, electrician or in administrative roles.
There was no obligation for employers to follow up with clients.
Centacare IT manager Greg Bell said the experience was good for himself and his team to see what a prospective employee like Mr Cooper could bring to the team.
“It’s always good having people come on to do work experience. When an opportunity comes up to employ someone, they’re usually the first ones you look at,” Mr Bell said.
Centacare has a dedicated team offering employment assistance to people with permanent disability, injury or health conditions to find sustainable employment.
Meanwhile, Ballarat residents can celebrate abilities and achievements of people with a disability in a free event at Delacombe Town Centre on Saturday from 10am.
The family-friendly celebrations will feature live performances, giveaways and activities like face painting. Showbiz Cinemas will also host Wide Angle, a free mini-film festival in the afternoon.
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