NDIS employment support giving Jack the skills he needs

Northcott’s Work & Study and Recreation services in Dapto for people with disability are providing exactly the ongoing support Jack needs on his journey to independence and adulthood.

Support for school leavers

Like most 19-year-olds, Jack has big hopes and dreams for his future. Since finishing high school, he’s been working hard with Northcott to achieve his goal of finding a job. Northcott’s Work & Study service offers job readiness training and work experience opportunities tailored to the needs of young people with disability like Jack. Our Recreation service is a place to build confidence and independence while making new friends.

Supporting Jack’s transition from school

Jack is an enthusiastic, chatty and determined young man. He has autism and intellectual disability. He enjoys skateboarding, playing video games and spending time with his family.

Transitioning from school to adulthood is tough for every young person, but it can be even tougher for those with disability. Things that come easily to some, like meeting new people, learning a new skill or process and adapting to new environments, can be a challenge for someone like Jack.

I get anxious sometimes, especially around new people. And it takes me a bit longer than others to understand and remember things

Jack

Tailored learning environments, on the job support and specialist support provided by Northcott can make the move from school to meaningful work smoother for people with disability. Participating in Northcott’s Recreation service provides the chance to socialise with peers and hone vital social skills.

Jack’s NDIS goals

When Jack finished high school, he was unsure about what he wanted to do next, his mother Tamara explains.

“Jack went from school into the Work & Study service without much of an idea of what he wanted to do, or any work experience for him to gain employment,” she explains.

“He was nervous about the transition out of school, as his path would be different to that of his peers, who were thinking about university, an apprenticeship or career.”

Now Jack has a clear goal for his future.

“My dream is to find a job and be more independent,” he says.

“Having a job would mean that I’m part of a team. And it would help me have a purpose and routine. It would make me feel important and fulfilled.”

Tamara says that after finishing school Jack also found it hard to keep up his friendships and stay motivated to be active. Accessing Northcott’s Recreation service has been a good addition to his week. Each week he enjoys ten pin bowling and ultimate frisbee.

“Through the Recreation service, Jack has been able to enjoy social interactions and outings, and participate in fitness activities catered to his abilities,” she says.

How Northcott is supporting Jack

Prior to accessing Work & Study, Jack participated in Northcott’s Skills 4 Life service for teenagers.

“At Skills 4 Life, I learned a lot of important life skills, like how to prepare meals. Travel training showed me how to get around using public transport. I also made new friends and built my confidence,” Jack says.

With a focus on seeing Jack achieve his goal of finding a job, the Work & Study service has supported him to prepare for work and discover what he’s good at. He’s gained new skills and learnt useful vocational skills, such as how to use a coffee machine and run a café, how to put together a PowerPoint presentation, resume writing, how to search for jobs online, interview skills and how to deliver a speech. He’s also completed a professional qualification in food handling, something he’s incredibly proud to have achieved.

Through Northcott Work & Study, Jack has also participated in a range of work experience placements with on the job support and gained practical carpentry experience through supported attendance at his local Mens Shed. The Recreation service has provided opportunities to socialise and get out in the community.

“I’ve done work experience at Bunnings, Hub Electrical, with Council and at a landscaping company,” Jack shares. “This has taught me how to be a good worker, and helped me learn the things I’m good at, like stacking shelves.”

How Jack has grown

Jack’s mum, Tamara, and his Northcott Service Manager, Meg, have seen Jack make huge progress since he came to Northcott.

“I’m so proud of how far Jack has come. At the start he was very shy and nervous, but as his confidence grew, he started to come out of his shell,” says Meg.

“He proved to everyone around him that he’s a natural-born leader with the determination to achieve whatever he sets his mind to.”

Tamara couldn’t be happier with how the NDIS employment support from Northcott is supporting Jack and his personal growth.

“Over the last few years, we have seen Jack transition from his comfort zone at school, to thriving at Northcott. He has formed good friendships and has a direction that drives him daily to succeed even if it’s only 1% more than the day before,” she says.

“He is becoming more confident at travelling independently and has even maintained relationships with some of the people he did work experience with. We are proud of the kind young man he is, who always maintains that big smile of his!”

What’s next for Jack?

For now, Jack is happy with the support he’s receiving through Northcott’s Work & Study and Recreation services. With the employment skills and experience he’s gaining, he feels optimistic about his prospects of finding a job. He also understands the process can take time.

“I know I’m taking the right steps to reach my goal. I’m close to it. I’ve definitely come a long way since I started at Northcott. I know I’ll get there,” he says confidently.

Jack is thankful to the team at Northcott for giving him the ongoing support and opportunities he needs to create the future he wants for himself.

“I’ve very happy. Northcott has made me feel confident about the skills I’ve learnt. I enjoy spending time with participants and staff members. They are helping me achieve my goal.”

Help young people like Jack thrive in work and life

Do you want to make sure young people like Jack have the chance to follow their hopes and dreams and reach their potential?

Donate to our Winter Appeal to help young people with disability get the employment skills and specialist support they need on their journey to independence and adulthood.

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