Disability Work Experience Program
Outlook continues to strengthen the connection between its community and social enterprise divisions, creating more opportunities for people with disabilities to become job-ready. In September 2024, Outlook Disability Services began a phased rollout of supported work experience at the Outlook Resource Recovery Centre and Recycled Goods Shop in Hampton Park. Over the course of two weeks, three young adults with disabilities—Nick, Januka, and Alex—will join the team, starting with four hours per week and gradually increasing their hours based on their individual goals and needs. With guidance from site staff and a dedicated disability support worker, they will gain hands-on experience in resource recovery, customer service, sustainability, payments and cash handling, workplace safety, and more.
As they so often do, this exciting initiative emerged out of necessity. Outlook’s Senior Program and Support Planners, Jayden Harrison and Emily Walton, work tirelessly to build relationships and source opportunities for participants to engage in work training and skill development. However, due to the numerous barriers that people with disabilities face in accessing work, the most effective solution was to create more opportunities within the organisation.
Outlook is dedicated to empowering individuals facing disadvantage by providing them with the skills and experience needed to strengthen their community connections and increase workforce participation. We take pride in the fact that 70% of our social enterprise division staff come from priority workforce groups, including people with disabilities. The Hampton Park site is a shining example of the powerful impact that can be made when social purpose and community services align, earning it a spot as a finalist in the 2024 Casey Business Awards – Employment Diversity category.
This commitment to inclusivity is why Hampton Park was selected as the launch site for the enhanced work experience program for Outlook’s NDIS participants. On his first day, Nick was warmly welcomed by the staff, who were attentive to his needs and made him feel like a valued member of the team from the start. In the coming days, Nick will be joined by Januka and Alex. Together with their support workers, they’ll gain hands-on experience in various areas on-site. This includes the recycled goods shop, where they’ll develop valuable transferrable skills in customer service, payment processing, cash handling, communication, and promotions. The group will also be exposed to other functions within the resources and sustainability sector, such as tool and equipment usage, work health and safety practices, teamwork, critical thinking, recycling, and resource recovery.
This development paves the way for Outlook to further increase opportunities for NDIS participants who are looking for ways to develop work skills in a real-world environment. As participants grow their skills, independence, and work readiness, Outlook disability services staff will support them to create a professional resume and embark on the job application process in an industry they choose. With social enterprises across Victoria and Queensland and substantial growth on the horizon, Outlook is uniquely positioned to provide individuals with the skills and experience they need to thrive, facilitating internal career progression or connecting them with potential employers.