Work & Study Illawarra

Learn the skills and strategies you need to get job-ready

Young girl smiling pouring drinks at the bar

Gain employment opportunities with vocational skills

Taking the first step to finding a job can be daunting. You’ve finished school, ready to begin the next chapter, and start earning your own money. Finding employment is an exciting step forward but it can also feel challenging and overwhelming. However, with dedicated support you can build your capacity, learn the skills you need to prepare for work, and find a job that’s the right fit for your abilities.

I had learnt some of this at school, but the Work & Study helped to reinforce it. The most important thing I have learnt is how to be confident
Ben

With over 10 years’ experience in vocational training programs, we offer learning environments tailored to your needs. Everyone has different learning styles – perhaps you learn visually or prefer a more hands-on approach. We’ll work with you to understand your skills and strengths, and then create a unique, flexible plan that supports the way you learn.

Our School Leavers Employment Service (SLES) is designed to help you prepare for work and gain real-world experience. You’ll build the confidence you need to get a job and live a more independent life. With SLES funding, you’ll receive support for up to two years. After learning the skills needed to be a part of a work environment, most people will then get ongoing support to find a job from Disability Employment Services.

Your Goals

Your Goals

Employment Support

Skill development

Planning

How we can support you to get job-ready with vocational training skills

Our experienced team will work with you to develop the specific skills you need to find employment. You have the option to work individually or in group sessions with others of similar abilities and goals.

Planning and time management skills: Learn how to plan ahead, prioritise tasks and complete work on time, and take breaks to manage any stress throughout your day.
Creating your resume: We can work with you to design a resume and cover letter that highlights your skills and abilities to potential employers.
Interview skills: Take part in practice interviews that will prepare you for real-world experiences of finding a job. You’ll also build confidence in role play and team-building sessions.
Money and budgeting: Understanding how to effectively manage your money and create budgets will put you in control of your finances and empower you to save for the future.
Managing public transport: You’ll learn how the public transport system works, and how to confidently access different train and bus routes as you move about the community.
Improving your communication skills: Boost your confidence to interact with others, work in teams, and form social connections with colleagues
Building resilience: Learn strategies so you feel equipped to handle any unexpected situations that occur in the workplace.

Personalised Work & Study

Personalised Work & Study

Planning and time management skills

If you’d like to practice your new skills and decide if a job is right for you, we have a network of employers and partners who can provide hands-on work experience and employment opportunities.

For example, our Café Thanks a Latte initiative gives participants the opportunity to learn how to prepare food and beverages in a commercial kitchen, communicate with a team, and tackle the challenges of a work environment.

Our I-Art program allows participants to explore their creative potential and develop their talents across different mediums like digital art, photography, sculpture and textiles.