Change agent project

1
Change agent project

• Louise Hamilton
• Institute of TAFE Tasmania
• Louise.Hamilton_at_tafe.tas.edu.au

2
Aim of presentation

• To summarise my 2006 Change Agent project
• NOTE The National Training Change Agent project
  is a PD project for 15 individual VET
  practitioners to develop change agency skills

3
My project aim

• To develop improve the service delivered to
  students with a disability within the Work
  Education/Transition unit at TAFE Tasmania.
• To ensure we are offering the best work
  preparation training, being mindful that the
  Federal Government has increased its demands upon
  this group in relation to employment.

4
How is this happening?

• Encouraging modelling a paradigm shift which
  has a strong focus on meaningful work
  opportunities.
• Applying a strengths based approach to staff
  offering opportunities to be innovative, creative
  take risks.
• Developing national networks in this area
  comparing models of delivery.

5
How is this happening?

• Finding niches for individuals in the open
  employment sector utilising skills, strengths
  specific talents.
• Doing this in a way that whilst disability is
  acknowledged respected, the possible inherent
  characteristics are not the focus.
• Finding out what employers want supplying it!

6
How resources were used

• Used the resources of this project to
• Research, learn reflect upon change management
  theory.
• Observe reflect upon change processes within
  TAFE, within the local national disability
  sector.
• - support colleagues attend in house external
  training with some of the project money.

7
What we know

• You need to be the change you want to see in the
  world. Mahatma Gandhi
• Otherwise HOW will it happen?
• People with a disability need workers in VET to
  take risks, to seek out supportive work
  opportunities, to celebrate success, to focus on
  ability, and to offer experiences that will
  enhance their place in community.

8
What I learnt

• To celebrate successes.
• To stand back observe.
• Let go of my ego, the rest of the world has a
  view.
• Dont allow todays achievements become
  tomorrows sacred cows.
• When you are wrong its ok, learn from it
• Share the journey, appreciate others travels,
  learn to let go.

9
What I learnt

• Take time for reflection
• Introduce silence
• Remember this too will pass the challenging,
  draining moments and the glory filled moments too
• Nothing stays the same, go with it
• ..and ENJOY the journey.