Different models exist for successful VET programs for students with disabilities. One of these has been the Lighthouse Initiative that aims to increase the participation of students with disabilities/significant learning difficulties in VET programs.

The students will:

• gain skills and knowledge that will help them on their pathway to employment
• be linked into VET programs relating to their industry interests (Learning support is provided or accessed to ensure the student has a positive experience)
• complete 80 hours of learning in a workplace. On-the-job mentoring and support is provided to assist students to settle into the new environment and learn the job.

OUTCOMES
Students that access VET programs through the Lighthouse Initiative have:

• gained accredited training in an industry of interest (eg retail, hospitality, engineering)
• been linked to a Disability Employment Agency to access ongoing support to gain and maintain a job
• gained employment through a Disability Employment Agency (including school-based traineeships, part-time work while remaining at school, as well as full time and casual employment)
• returned to secondary school studies
• accessed further VET programs
• moved from secondary school to further training with a registered training organisation

The key stakeholders have reported that there has been an increase in the students’ independence, self-confidence, motivation to learn and social network.

Useful websites
Visit Myfuture website
Visit TAFE website
Visit Employment website

ELIGIBILITY
To participate in the Lighthouse project students must:

• have a disability
• be endorsed by Centrelink as eligible for a service from a Disability Employment Agency
• want to work in open employment
• be able to or willing to learn how to access transport independently

Visit Centrelink website

ACCESS
To access the Lighthouse Initiative students should speak to their teacher or VET Coordinator. Teachers need to speak to their Transition Broker or Vocational Education Coordinator.

To access a Disability Employment Agency, students must be endorsed through Centrelink. Students should talk to their teachers to gain assistance to apply to Centrelink. Teachers should speak to their Transition Broker who has links with the Disability Employment Agencies if they need guidance and assistance to help a student with the Centrelink process.

Visit Centrelink website

Lighthouse Initiative Project Manager
Kerry Jones
Phone: 8414 7100

Support varies for each individual student and program. Examples of support by Disability Employment Agencies include:

• verbal assessments
• scribes
• transport training
• on-the-job training and mentoring

Costs and funding varies between school regions. Contact the Transition Broker for more information.

Futures Connect Transition Brokers
Phone: 08 8226 1755

First point of contact should be the teacher or VET Coordinator

Other useful contacts:
Futures Connect Transition Brokers
Phone: 08 8226 1755

Futures Connect Vocational Education Coordinators
Phone: 08 8226 1755

Centrelink Offices
Service Centre Locations:
Visit website