School To Work Transition

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School To Work Transition

• Bridging Pathways

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Bridging Pathways

• Access
• Participation
• Outcomes
• Accountability

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Bridging Pathways

• Understand
• - the magnitude of the current inequity facing
  people with a disability in VET
• Invest
• - in a system that is accountable to people
  with a disability
• Co-ordinate
• - programs and services by promoting
  partnerships and collaboration

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Scope and Complexity

• Data and definitions
• Granular nature of disability
• Whole of life approach

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Opportunity Costs

• Econometric study (2.5 Billion)
• Community Diversity
• Citizenship
• Potential customers

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SILOS and the CSTDA

• Responsibility shifting
• - Commonwealth and States
• - Programs
• Cross - Sectoral understanding
• - Startright

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Collaborative Approaches

• ADTAC Mapping Project
• - Pathways not programs
• The Lighthouse initiative
• - Pathways emphasis
• - Collaborative
• - Sustainable

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Lighthouse Disability Project
Creating pathways into VET and Employment for
students with disabilities.
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PROJECT OVERVIEW
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National Perspective

• Lighthouse is a national initiative funded by
  Department of Education, Science Technology
• WAVES Lighthouse Disability Project was 1 of 3
  projects funded nationally.
• Commenced in April 2000 with funding for 2
  years. Positive outcomes lead to refunding for
  a further 2 years.

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Underpinning Principles

• The under-representation of students with a
  disability in the VET system can be addressed by
  interventions targeting students while they are
  still in senior school
• This intervention includes the building of
  partnerships between schools, employers and
  disability employment agencies.

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Lighthouse Project Aims
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The Model
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Personal Outcomes
confidence
new friendships
independence
self-esteem
ambitions
renewed interest in learning
confidence
maturity
links to social services
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(The Retail course) was a good way to learn
about the job
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CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
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Transition Plan
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Meeting Support Needs
STUDENT Referred by School. Participates in VET
course and SWPL.
RTO
DEA

• Delivery
• Assessment
• Certificate

Structured Work Placement Support
RTO Registered Training Organisation DEA -
Disability Employment Agency
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Case Management
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Steering Committee

• Key stakeholders formed members
• Structure included Chairperson and Project
  Manager
• All members committed to a MOU
• All members worked towards agreed outcomes /
  action plan

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ACTIVITY

• Steering Committee for School To Work Transition

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Partnerships Collaborations
Disability Employment Agencies
Local Community Partnerships
Schools
ACROD and ACE
Parents
Public and Private RTOs
Industry
Local Councils
DECS
JPP Providers
DEWR
DFEEST
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ACTIVITY

• Potential partners in School To Work Transition

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Demonstrate Success

• Quality leads to Quantity
• Demonstrate success and build on it
• Use your success to lobby and bring on new
  partners
• The Lighthouse Project has taken five years to
  build and refine and we are still learning

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BENEFITS
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Benefits Individual Schools

• Positive pathways for students
• Social inclusion
• Increased school retention rates
• Ability to meet the State Education Strategy
• Successful transition process

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Benefits Futures Connect Regions

• Effective vocational training
• Pathways into employment
• Address the needs of all students
• Ability to implement State Education Strategy
• Access to Structured Workplace Learning
• Links, networks and partnerships

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Benefits Registered Training Organisations

• Address the needs of all young people
• Application of equity principles and policies
• Increased number of participants
• Professional development of staff
• Opportunity to share resources

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Benefits Disability Employment Agencies

• Positive pathways for client group
• Ability to build relationships
• Increased efficiency in placing students
• Seamless transition
• Higher job retention rates
• Professional development of staff

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Benefits Employers

• Employees entering the workplace with a
• strong foundation of skills and experience.
• Professional development of staff
• Input into training of potential employees
• Meet equity and social justice principles
• Opportunity to identify potential employees

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Benefits Local Government

• Ability to respond to community needs
• Ability to practically implement policy on
• access and equity
• Development of young people at risk within
• the community

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Benefits Federal and State Governments

• WELFARE REFORM
• Social and economic participation of people
  with disabilities
• Whole of life approach

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Conclusion
Early intervention Partnerships
Collaborations Positive Outcomes
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Partnerships and Collaborations

• Build capacity
• Manage risk
• Financial management

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Questions
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Thank You