Work equality a Shared Experience

Run by not-for-profit disability employment service provider The Personnel Group, Shared Experience aims to support community services in the Orange region.

The initial trial runs until December 2022.

“This project will allow participants to access training and employment-focused support on a full-time basis,” John Gibbons, The Personnel Group Chief Executive Officer, said.

“The Shared Experience project will provide a sustainable career pathway for people with disability to train and work as Support Workers in the NDIS and other community services.”

Participant Sharon, from Molong, is completing a Certificate III in Community Services through Shared Experience.

Sharon is completing a Certificate III in Community Services.

“When I finish the course I’ll be able to work in the health care sector with disabled people or the elderly, so that’s very exciting,” Sharon said.

Shared said her lived experience would help her in support work.

“I’ve suffered for a number of years from more generalised anxiety and my experience in doing this course has been a really positive time for me.

“It is so empowering to realise your potential as a person is just wonderful.”

The Shared Experience project incorporates simultaneous delivery of a nationally accredited Certificate III qualification, work experience then casual to ongoing permanent employment.

“This project will allow participants to access training and employment-focused support on a full-time basis,” John Gibbons, The Personnel Group Chief Executive Officer, said.

“The Shared Experience project will provide a sustainable career pathway for people with disability to train and work as Support Workers in the NDIS and other community services.

“Employment gives a person greater self-esteem and community engagement.

“This program is all about people with shared experience of disability, supporting others with disability.”

Aleisha Mouritz, The Personnel Group Program Development Coordinator, said the Orange community would be the winner of this program.

“Increasing the skill level and employability of Orange locals to support their own community is integral to regional/rural success,” Ms Mouritz said.

“The project will further develop the community’s appetite and willingness to employ people with a disability.”

Shared Experience was funded through the $36 million Federal Information, Linkages, and Capacity Building grants program, set up to assist more people with disability across Australia into work and enjoy improved access to community and mainstream services.