In order to give the young person the opportunity to experience supported employment and gain insight into specific roles and responsibilities while in the workplace, organisations will be asked to nominate a workplace mentor (Buddy) who will work alongside the young person during the four-hour work experience placement.
We will provide the organisation's buddy a free online eLearning course if they want to learn more about disability awareness, advocacy, and mentoring.
It is widely acknowledged that employment is linked to economic security that ultimately affects a person’s standard of living and overall physical, and mental wellbeing. At the end of the three-month program, the young people will graduate with improved job readiness and employment related skills to support their career aspirations.
It is hoped that participating organisations will receive a positive experience of providing a workplace opportunity for an engaged and motivated young person and have an increased willingness and capacity to employ these or further young people within their organisation.
The EBP is a twelve week, eight hour a week program designed to give young people aged 15–24 employability and job skills, and provide them with an opportunity to experience employment in a supportive environment.
At the penultimate stage of the 12 week program there will be an individual Buddy hosted work experience placement with up to two participating employer organisations, who will offer a four hour work placement opportunity (or more if they wish).
Each young person enters the program with their own dreams and career aspirations. As part of the process, they will work with the Case Manager, Trainer & Co-Ordinator to facilitate what, and where, they would like their ‘dream job’ placement to be.
Armed with this knowledge, we will then approach employers within that sector or industry to discuss the opportunity to host the young person for a 4 hour placement. For many, this will be their first foray into the employment market and their assigned ‘Buddy’ will be someone who can provide hands-on experience of the role the young person aspires to.
We will be able to provide the employer with some brief details of the young person who is interested in their organisation however, unfortunately, the employers are not able to choose a candidate for placement.
Insurance coverage for the young person during their four hour work placement will be covered under the employer’s public liability insurance.
As part of the on-boarding process for the work placement, we will request details of the organisation’s public liability insurance, such as the number and a copy of the certificate.
While the program is happy to discuss any questions, should you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage, we recommend you liaise with your insurance broker or provider to discuss your organisations requirements.