Good Sammy open employment trials

Good Sammy Enterprises (GSE) is a not-for-profit social enterprise in Western Australia. GSE is trialling new models of employment support to people with intellectual disability to build their capacity and secure open employment outside GSE. This interim evaluation summarises the process and outcomes to the end of 2024. 

The report evaluates the impact, outcomes and effectiveness of two trials for open employment of people with disability: 

• the traineeship and licences trial – aims to build participants’ skills, confidence and work experience.
• the hybrid open employment trial – designed to support the permanent transition of people supported by GSE to open employment.

Key findings

• Most people in the traineeship and licences trial completed the training.
• Most participants in both trials liked the work experience.
• The businesses that used the provision of service jobs adjusted work arrangements, such as tasks on different days, hours, speed, in new ways, with supports alongside.
• The presence of people with disability in the workplace gradually meant some employers were open to increasing work opportunities.
• At the time of this interim report, no one had yet transitioned out of GSE employment.
• Income increased for participants in both trials.