Each year on 15 July, United Nations World Youth Skills Day celebrates the critical role of skills development in creating pathways to employment, meaningful participation, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.
For young people with disability, skill development is an important part of building a life of choice, independence and inclusion. Developing new skills is not just about learning how to complete tasks, it is about building confidence, discovering strengths and taking meaningful steps towards greater independence.
Aruma’s Work Ready program (formerly School Leaver Employment Supports) gives young people with disability the opportunity to try different jobs, gain hands-on experience, build their skills and ultimately find work that suits them.
This World Youth Skills Day, we’re celebrating the stories of young people who are learning, growing and chasing their dreams with the support of Aruma’s Work Ready program.
Jenna – Alstonville, New South Wales
“I’m currently with the Work Ready Program one day a week and working at Summerland Farm as a general hand in the business support team 3 days a week. I’ve been at Summerland Farm for almost 10yrs and I joined work ready a year ago, hoping to transition to open employment to work in admin.”
“With Work Ready, I completed two computer courses, my first aid and CPR course, touch typing practice, working on spreadsheets and filing.”
“Now, I’m about to finish 6 weeks of work experience in Ballina RSL with the Member Services team. Here I’ve been renewing memberships, updating memberships, emailing, selling event tickets and putting in dinner reservations. It’s been a good but challenging process. I’m not sure what’s next but I’m looking forward to learning more skills and eventually find a new job.”
Jordan – Alstonville, New South Wales
“I’ve been working at Summerland Farm for 8 years in Facilities Management Team and recently joined the Work Ready Program, with the view of moving into open employment. By doing so I’ve had the honour of getting work experience with Byron Council and they gave me the opportunity to use an excavator for the first time. I was a bit nervous at first but got the hang of it quickly and really enjoyed it, I would like to Thank the Work Ready team and Byron council for this opportunity.”
Kiera – Alstonville, New South Wales
“I started in the Work Ready program at Summerland Farm in 2024 when I was 16 years old.
While I was in Work Ready, I learned lots of new skills. I learned about workplace safety, toolbox talks, money and budgeting, catching buses, and looking after my health and wellbeing. I also completed my Barista and Food Safety certificates.”
“Work Ready helped me build my confidence and learn new skills. With their support, I got a supported employment job with Pillars of Potential in the food truck. I enjoy working and learning new things every day. I am proud of what I have achieved and thankful for the support I received through Work Ready to help me get a job.”
Mitchell – Newcastle, New South Wales
“I started at the Work Ready Program in August 2025, and it has had a very positive impact on my life. The program has helped me build my confidence, develop new skills, and make some great friends along the way.”
“One of the highlights of my time at Work Ready was completing work experience with Woolworths. With the support and encouragement of the Work Ready team, this opportunity resulted in me gaining a paid contract position. I am really enjoying my job, earning my own money, and becoming more independent. I’m now saving to be able to get my own Unit and live on my own, which is very exciting. I would like to thank all the staff at Work Ready Program for their support and for believing in me.”
Will – Alstonville, New South Wales
“Work Ready gave me the opportunity to complete work experience at Summerland Farm. While I was there, I learned valuable workplace skills, including customer service, teamwork, following instructions, and working in a busy environment. The experience helped me grow in confidence and prepared me for employment. With the support of Work Ready and Summerland Farm, I was able to get a job at Windara. I now work in the cafe and the plant nursery, where I enjoy serving customers, helping with cafe duties, caring for plants, and working as part of a team.”
“I am proud of how much I have learned and how far I have come. The support I received through Work Ready and Summerland Farm helped me gain the confidence and skills I needed to find a job that I enjoy.”
Ready to get work ready?
Click here for more information or talk to our team today to find out how the Work Ready Program can help you build skills, gain experience, and find a job you’ll love.
