Choosing your path to meaningful employment is exciting. Mambourin is here to help you reach your goals as you think about what job you might enjoy and what you need to become ready for that job.

We understand that everyone’s journey is different, so we offer a range of training and support programs tailored to your unique needs.

Getting ready to work

Being work-ready means having the right skills, knowledge, attitude, and behaviour to do well in your new workplace. You might need to have the technical skills for the job, like knowing how to use tools or software. You will also need soft skills.

What are soft skills? They include knowing how to:

• communicate well
• work with others
• solve problems

It is also very important to:

• be positive about working
• want to learn new things
• be a good employee and workmate.

Here are some things you can do to become work-ready:

• Learn new skills. Find out what skills you need for the job you want and look for opportunities to practice them. You can do this by taking classes, participating in training programs, volunteering or doing work experience.
• Improve your communication skills. It’s important for you to be able to express yourself and communicate well with the people you work with. You can look for opportunities to practice your speaking, writing, and listening skills, such as in a social group or meeting up with friends or family
• Be positive. People like working with someone who has a good attitude and wants to do a good job. You should try to accept change and always be open to learning new things.
• Connect with people. Meeting people who work in your field can help you find a job. You can attend events or join groups to meet new people. Our Community Choices can help you connect with others.
• Build your confidence. When you’re confident, you believe in yourself and your abilities, which can help you to present yourself well to potential employers. To become more confident, do things that make you feel good about yourself, spend time with positive and supportive people, and practice your social skills.
• Prepare for job interviews. Learn about the company you are interviewing with, practice answering common questions and dress nicely for the interview. Ask a family member or a friend to help you prepare and practice for your job interviews.

Many of these tips are helpful not only as you prepare to find a job but also as you adjust to your new work environment.

At Mambourin, we can help you get ready for work through our Life Skills Program. It’s where you learn everyday practical skills such as

• independent living
• health and wellbeing
• communication
• literacy and numeracy

At Mambourin, we also have work experience programs designed to cater to your unique needs, ensuring you are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to achieve your employment goals.

It’s good to build your hard and soft skills to prepare for the workforce

School-based traineeships (SBAT)

Another way Mambourin supports people with disability to gain employment is through a school-based traineeship (SBAT).

What is an SBAT, and how does it work?

An SBAT lets high school students learn a job while still studying. You can work part-time and get paid while getting a qualification in a particular industry, such as manufacturing or retail.

To get started with an SBAT, you will need to find an employer to hire you and sign a contract with them. Then, you will learn on the job and attend classes to get your qualification. Once you finish the program, you will get a qualification in your chosen industry.

Who is eligible for an SBAT?

To qualify for an SBAT, you must be enrolled in a secondary school and at least 16 years old. You should also have permission from your school to participate in the program.

Other requirements may depend on your chosen industry, such as having specific skills or completing a pre-apprenticeship course. Check with your chosen industry and training provider to find out what these requirements are.

Traineeships available at Mambourin

Mambourin currently offers traineeships in

• Certificate II Supply Chain Operations
• Certificate III Supply Chain Operations

You can gain skills and qualifications while undertaking a traineeship

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is a program that helps young people who have left school to develop work skills and find a job. It provides support to help you identify your strengths and interests, develop work-related skills, look for a job and succeed in the workplace.

These are the common steps involved:

• Goal-setting. You work with a support coordinator or your service provider to identify your strengths, interests and goals for work.
• Skills development. You participate in activities and training to help develop work-related skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. You will also get to do work experience or volunteer to gain real-life experience.
• Job search support. The program helps you look for a job matching your skills and interests. You get support writing resumes, preparing for interviews and applying for jobs.

In Mambourin’s SLES program, you will also learn

• job skills, such as
  • occupational health and safety procedures
  • housekeeping activities
  • workplace orientation and induction procedures
• personal health and well-being skills, such as
  • money handling
  • nutrition
  • hygiene
• other relevant skills and training such as travel education and nationally accredited training

Shakaya works with a classmate in the SLES classroom

Supported employment

Mambourin also provides supported employment opportunities. Supported employment is a work arrangement where you get ongoing support and assistance to secure and maintain employment. We are committed to providing meaningful training opportunities and employment for people with disability. So whether you’re looking to work full-time or part-time, we can help you find the right job that suits your goals and abilities.

You can work at our Mambourin Business Solutions (MBS) Warehouse, where you can gain experience in logistics and warehousing. Or if you want to build office and customer service skills, our administrative team is a great opportunity.

You can also join our professional gardening team to develop horticulture skills and help maintain beautiful gardens in the community.

Daniel and Louise at their work station in the MBS warehouse

Mambourin success stories

At Mambourin, we are proud of our team members who have achieved great things in their careers. Everyone can succeed in the workplace, and our MBS team members have proven this to be true time and time again.

Meet Caitlin, a participant in our School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program who had a strong interest in working in childcare. With the support of her SLES mentor, Brittany, Caitlin applied for the job and made it to the interview stage.

To help prepare her for the role, Caitlin started some training and even enrolled to complete a Certificate III.

Then there’s Kyle who first started with us via our SLES program. He writes, “Throughout this whole experience I have learnt how to do some new stuff and old stuff…One of my most impressive things would be my travel training skills, going from A to B and then helping my friends catch public transport…My time at SLES has come to an end and my new adventure with supported employment begins.”

We also have trainees who have found jobs after graduation! Jack is one of them. He was connected with an employer called Melbourne Furniture Installers and impressed them so much that he was offered an ongoing job. It’s great to see Jack’s hard work paying off with meaningful employment.

Caitlin got work-ready through doing the SLES program

Start your journey toward employment with Mambourin

If you’re looking for work-readiness opportunities, supported employment or other training as you prepare to enter the workforce, contact us. Our team is here to support you in achieving your goals and finding meaningful work.