Vision Australia is calling for young people who are blind or have low vision to step up and apply for one of three innovative employment programs operation in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria next month.
The Building Stronger Futures program is an employment ‘boot camp’ that will teach the participants the basics of the working world with job-seeking assistance and ongoing support.
The first of the program will run in Dandenong, Victoria, from 2 to 13 July for people who are blind or have low vision aged 18 to 24.
It involves a two-week face-to-face pre-employment program from 9am to 3.30pm each weekday at the Vision Australia Dandenong office, six months of job-seeking assistance, and six to eight sessions of problem solving therapy once participants commence work. Travel assistance may be available
The New South Wales and Queensland programs are designed for young job-seekers aged 15 to 18, with similar training and benefits over a more intensive three-day session. These sessions will also be followed by six months of job search assistance and problem solving therapy.
These will be conducted from 11 to 13 July in our Coorparoo centre in Brisbane and from 16 to 18 July in Sydney’s Parramatta centre, with each beamed by video conference to any other NSW or Queensland branch near where participants live.
“Every participant will get advice on career paths and job-seeking techniques, writing resumes and cover letters, addressing employment issues specific to blindness or low vision, and how to network and match your skills to employers’ needs,” Building Future Skills Lead Belinda Wilson says.
“They’ll also have interview skills development and coaching. This is an effort on Vision Australia’s part to build employment skills among our young people and support them to build careers.
“Running the Queensland and NSW courses via a video conference ensures that young people all over both states can take part as long as they can get to their local Vision Australia offices."
For details or to apply, phone Belinda Wilson on 0418 984 017 or email her here.