Hats off to the work of programs like the new Transition to Work program being run by OAK Training and Development across the North.
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The initiative not only gives young people living with a disability a chance to develop work skills, acquire accreditation and develop confidence. It also plays an important role in highlighting the value of a diverse workplace.
OAK Training and Development manager Graeme Finlayson said the program works with participants to find their strengths and build on those. It is targeted at young people who have a strong desire to work, helping them develop a pathway into secure employment.
By demonstrating the abilities of people living with a disability to contribute to workplaces in a meaningful way, more opportunities may become available to them.
This is a key aspect of ensuring everyone has the chance to participate in, and contribute to society. It’s particularly poignant given a Productivity Commission Report released in January, which showed employment rates for people living with a disability have barely changed since 2009.
More than just providing opportunities for people living with a disability, ensuring employment is open to everyone could boost employment rates and provide a greater number of workers into the future – something that will become increasingly important as the population ages.
To make sure Australia has the workers needed to support the nation, everyone should be valued and included in strategies to improve workforce participation; including those living with a disability.
There is plenty of room to improve in this regard: a 2010 OECD study ranked Australia 21st out of 29 countries on its work force participation rates for those living with a disability.
People living with a disability are an untapped resource in securing workers into the future, and we should be making sure we are helping everyone who wants to work develop the skills and training to do so.
Partner in the Transition to Work program and Cafe Next Door owner Brett Mitchell’s experience in bringing young people with a disability into his business has shown there can be a place for everyone in the workplace.
There should be opportunities, training and support to help people living with a disability transition to employment.
