Young people living with a disability are gaining valuable work experience and practical skills and training thanks to an Australian-first program for the sport, leisure and recreation sector.
The Integrated Practical Placement (IPP) program is a partnership between Monash Council’s Active Monash team, Holmesglen Institute and WISE Employment that brings the classroom to the workplace for students who want to study and gain employment in sport. The partnership builds on the success of Holmesglen Institute’s award-winning IPP programs at the Royal Melbourne and Royal Children’s Hospitals.
Eight students are gaining practical job experience and skills at Active Monash‘s sites across the City of Monash – Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Clayton Aquatic and Health Club and Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
Mayor Brian Little said he was thrilled to welcome the participants to Council’s popular recreation centres.
“Monash Council has a commitment to inclusive and equitable employment opportunities and this program expands on that commitment, Cr Little said.
“Supporting young people to gain skills, qualifications and confidence to transition into paid employment is more important than ever and I’m proud that we are working with Holmesglen Institute and WISE Employment to provide this fantastic opportunity.”
Dr. Gabrielle Koutoukidis, Dean of Health, Science, Youth and Community Studies at Holmesglen celebrated the launch of Holmesglen’s latest IPP program.
“We know that the IPP program has a positive impact on not only the lives of the young adults who participate, but also their families and the organisations they do the IPP in,” Dr Koutoukidis said.
“Most participants from previously conducted IPP programs are either in paid employment or undertaking further study and are more confident to take on work. Active Monash provides meaningful opportunities for our students to gain fantastic experience in the sport and recreation industry.”
WISE Employment provides job coaching throughout the program on an ongoing basis, as experts in supporting people with disability in employment to help ensure that participants build a career plan and transitions into a workplace and roles that suit them.
“We are proud to help school leavers with disability gain employment experience and qualifications through this practical and innovative program and look forward to seeing the students’ progress,” WISE Employment Regional Performance Manager Nick Kurts said.
Students will achieve qualifications during the year to kick-start their sport and recreation career including:
- (22302VIC) Certificate I in Work Education
- AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
- Lifesaving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Award
- Senior First Aid and CPR
- Sports-based coaching and umpiring courses.
