Overview
Work experiences are a key ingredient in boosting the chances of getting a meaningful job after school for students with disability. They also help to reduce fears and concerns an employer may have about the prospect of employing a young person with disability.2 3 4
Work experience means students learn by doing real work. Instead of studying solely in classrooms, young people get a chance to try jobs, meet employers and build skills in real workplaces.5 Work experience is especially important for young people with disability because it helps them see what’s possible, builds expectations and prepares them for life after school.6 7
Work experience is often thought of as a one week activity during year 10, yet work experience involves a number of stages with distinct activities that scaffold young peoples’ transitions into the workforce. These include Work Exposure, Work Exploration and Work Experience, sometimes called the WE3 continuum. 8
- Work exposure provides a broad awareness of the world of work.
- Work exploration provides opportunities to learn about various specific work roles, industries and pathways.
- Work experience provides hands on participation, supports development of work identity, builds skills and provides preparation for the workplace.
Research has shown improved post school employment outcomes when young people with disability have multiple interactions with employers and the world of work while they are at school.9 10
Key strategies for success
Work‑based learning strategies create genuine pathways into meaningful employment. Key strategies include:
- introducing young people to the world of work and raising awareness of different job and workplace expectations by giving them information, insights and real-life examples from people who are already employed
- helping young people deepen their understanding of specific industries and roles by linking to activities that promote the building of skills and confidence and supporting students to reflect on and learn from their experiences. This helps to support decision‑making and identify realistic career interests and future pathways
- helping students to engage with their community and meet people through work experience or volunteer roles in something they are passionate about.
By providing work-based learning activities, young people with disability can explore the world of work, their work preferences and interests, and support informed career choices. Young people with disability can gain networks, practical knowledge and skills that prepare them for the workforce. Work experience also supports young people to identify and advocate for their ‘conditions for success’.