The Andrews Labor Government is helping students with a disability find and maintain after-school jobs.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll joined representatives from the National Disability Services, young Victorians and their families to officially launch Ticket to Work’snew after-school job project.

The service is receiving $250,000 from the Labor Government, as well as funding from the Ian Potter Foundation and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation to support 40 students with a significant disability to find and sustain after-school work.

The aim is to increase students’ long-term social and economic participation, with paid employment during secondary education the best predictor of post-school employment for young people with disability.

One student who’s already scored his dream after-school job is Julian, a Year 11 student with Down Syndrome, who spoke at the event about wanting to have the same rite of passage as his peers and siblings.

With the support of Ticket to Work and a jobs coach, Julian secured work in the canteen at his local basketball stadium, where he’s been able to build his independence, gain work experience and set aside money of his own.

The Ticket to Work program is an initiative of the National Disability Services and has already created 1,000 jobs for people with significant disability.

The Labor Government’s $68 million Jobs Victoria initiative provides tailored services to support and connect jobseekers who face barriers to employment with supportive employers.

Jobs Victoria has already provided funding support to a range of employment services, including assisting Specialisterne Australia deliver job placements for adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Jobs Victoria has placed more than 5,000 long-term jobseekers into work since the program started. For more information, visit jobs.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll

“Everyone deserves to have a job – that’s why we’re making sure no Victorian is left behind.”

“Ticket to Work will make a real difference to the lives of young Victorians with a disability and allow them continue to participate in the workforce after graduating.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Housing, Ageing and Disability Martin Foley

“Like anyone else, people with a disability can work, and want to work – and services like Ticket to Work are providing meaningful opportunities for young people during their secondary schooling.”