Learn more about how we help people with a disability kickstart their careers by building up their job skills, confidence, and independence.
Transitioning into your first job or a new role can be both exciting and daunting, but for individuals with a disability, the process can come with its own set of unique challenges.
Aruma’s Work Ready Program (Formerly School Leaver Employment Supports – SLES) is an NDIS support that helps people with a disability kickstart their careers by building up their job skills, confidence, and independence.
At Aruma, our Work Ready Program prepares you for the workforce by building up your skills, confidence and career aspirations.
Throughout 2024, our participants in the Newcastle Work Ready Program were working towards their employment goals, and four of them have actually landed new jobs for 2025!
“It was a fantastic year, and it makes us really excited about the future! Our Employment Coaches absolutely love what they do, and seeing our participants gain employment is what it’s all about,” said Employment Manager, Caz Tooley.
Throughout the year, participants learnt work ready skills such as job searching, resume writing, workplace etiquette (like email writing, team meetings, teamwork, communication) travel training, work health and safety, toolbox talks, cultural awareness and diversity. They also have the opportunity to complete workplace tours and work experience at both Aruma’s social enterprises and also at open employment locations.
“The program is flexible and personalised, so everyone has been working towards their own goals, gaining invaluable practical experience, learning on the job and planning future employment pathways,” continued Caz.
Lauren is one of the Work Ready participants who completed work experience in administration at the Aruma Newcastle office. She absolutely loved it and has landed herself a part-time job there and will be starting in March.
She said, “My favourite job at work experience was the admin work. I enjoy scanning papers, sorting files, making binders, using spreadsheets and writing minutes. One of my bigger projects was helping create the Emergency Response Procedures Manual.”
Aruma currently provides the Work Ready Program in Alstonville, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Taree, Forbes in NSW, and Burleigh Heads in QLD, however we are expanding.
Coaches will be starting in Tamworth and Armidale in the coming months, along with additional sites in QLD.
To learn more contact Aruma on 1300 538 746 or get in touch via the website.
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