As thousands of high school students across Australia prepare to make decisions about their futures; from sitting their HSC and heading to university or TAFE, to entering the workforce, two Campbelltown students are getting a hands-on look at a different kind of pathway.
Northcott Disability Services customers Valeria and Tabitha are learning the practical and creative skills of floristry, while exploring how those skills could translate into future employment, volunteering or even a microbusiness through Northcott’s Work and Study program.
This week, they have been preparing for an upcoming wedding by arranging the florals for the big day while learning the techniques and artistry of floral work to help them build future careers.
On Tuesday the pair took part in a special Northcott event to demonstrate the importance of skills development, employment pathways and creating opportunities for people with disability to build confidence and independence.
“At the moment, they’re working on floral arrangements for a wedding,’’ saysNorthcott Disability Services support worker senior Susan Colless.
“They’ve put a tremendous amount of effort into creating beautiful designs, and through this process they’re developing valuable floristry skills.
“They’re learning practical floristry techniques, from using tools such as wire cutters to understanding flower placement and design principles.
“They’re also developing time management skills by working to real project deadlines,” Ms Colless said.
As part of Northcott’s Work and Study programs, the team aims to support students to get job-ready by teaching vocational training skills, offering learning environments tailored to individual’s needs.
Northcott works with students to understand their skills and strengths, and then create a unique, flexible plan that supports the way they learn.
“Since participating in our floristry program, Val and Tabitha have gone on to enrol in a Certificate II at TAFE. Knowing we’ve helped support them to take that next step in their lives is incredibly rewarding,” says Ms Colless.
“The skills participants are developing through the Work and Study program will help create future employment opportunities and build their confidence in the workplace.”
The vocational training also helps build skills including:
- Planning and time management skills: how to plan ahead, prioritise tasks and complete work on time, and take breaks to manage any stress throughout your day.
- Creating a resume: 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.
“They genuinely enjoy the work and take pride in what they create. It’s rewarding to see the skills and confidence they’re gaining along the way, says Susan Colless.
Northcott Disability Services Campbelltown are located at Level 5/6/8 Dumaresq Street.
