Pow Wow Consulting Pty Ltd and East Works jointly ran a pre-employment training program to find new staff for manufacturing companies in Melbourne's South East. All participants were people with a low level disability.

As the employment market continues to tighten, employers must look outside the square with their recruitment strategies and consider those who are under represented in the workforce.

Too often people with disabilities are dismissed as unsuitable for employment in a manufacturing environment.

In many cases, a simple workplace modification or change of duties will create an opportunity for a disabled worker who will be just as capable as or better than any other jobseeker.

Employees with a disability on average:

• Stay longer in the job
• Rate highly on reliability and attendance
• Record fewer OH&S incidents
• Are capable of performing and learning new skills

90% of employers who employ a person with a disability would do so again.

HELP FOR EMPLOYERS Assistance to employers who do employ people with a disability included:

• Significant financial incentive
• Wage support assistance
• Staff training
• Workplace modification funding

TRAINING PROGRAM Candidates undertook a ten (10) week pre-employment training program which involved industry training and work experience.

Successful candidates who completed the Program were awarded with:

• Certificate I in Process Manufacturing
• Certificate I in Work Preparation

Candidates undertook a minimum 35 hours work experience (no cost to the employer) and received full support during training, work experience and post placement support.

Funded Period was October 07 – June 08