Get Started: School to Work Transition Program

Schools leavers ‘Get Started’ early in 2012!

Lower Hunter Disability Service Provider, The Mai-Wel Group, is now in its second year of a new education program called ‘Get Started: School to Work Transition Program’.

Developed by The Mai-Wel Group’s already successful Disability Employment Services, Hunter LabourForce Solutions and Transition to Work, this joint initiative is designed to prepare secondary students with a disability to plan for a successful transition into life after school. High schools and teachers across the Hunter will be encouraged to refer students to the program.

“This will be the second time the program will be integrated into local high schools; however, we have been providing this service to young people with a disability for over 10 years,” says Kyllie Tegg, Manager of The Mai-Wel Group’s Hunter LabourForce Solutions.

“Through a combination of vocational training, career guidance and one to one support, students will gain the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce.”

The Get Started program provides information to school leavers about job opportunities and career pathways, post school, assisting them to link into readily available services within their community.

The Program which will run throughout terms 1, 2 & 3 is designed to help Year 11 and 12 students with disabilities, illness, injury or barriers to employment to make a smooth transition from school to the workforce.

Participants of this program will undertake training at their current school, Hunter LabourForce Solutions or through on the job work experience, based on work and life skills development sessions.  The program also links students to services that provide ongoing training and support to gain and maintain employment in the future.

“The post school period for students with a disability or with a barrier to employment can be a challenging life phase.  This program ensures they have the best possible transition options available to them,” said Ms Tegg.

“Furthermore, there is no cost to the student, their family or the school they attend, so it’s a win-win program for everyone involved.”

Students who are not engaged in employment at the completion of the program will be assisted to make a smooth transition from school to a wide range of post school options.