Enable is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $25,000 Inclusive Employment Grant (IEG) from the Westpac Foundation. This funding will be instrumental in expanding our efforts to create meaningful award wage jobs and training opportunities for Australians facing complex barriers to mainstream work, particularly those with disabilities.
Our Impact So Far
At Enable, we have been at the forefront of addressing employment barriers for disadvantaged Australians. According to our latest impact report, the poor employment participation rate for people with disability remains a significant issue—50% less likely to have a job compared to the general population. In response, we’ve delivered 40,317 employability skills hours to 1,653 disadvantaged participants, significantly improving their chances of securing meaningful work.
Additionally, in the Hume LGA, where unemployment is 9.2%—60% higher than the Australian average—Enable has created 28,372 full award work hours and 38 employment pathway outcomes for local disadvantaged jobseekers. Through our innovative approach, we are not only improving employability but also creating employment opportunities in the green economy. Our e-waste recycling initiatives help divert electronic waste from landfill while refurbishing technology and offering affordable tech to those in need.
Our Approach to Employment and Training
At Enable , we use a three-pillar pathways model to support disadvantaged Australians on their journey to mainstream employment.
Our Greener Futures Employability Skills Program helps participants develop core skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical expertise.
- Click here to learn more or enquire about our programs
This leads to Job Pathway Outcomes at Enable itself, where participants can access full award wage jobs in areas like e-waste recycling, IT asset disposal, and online retailing.
Finally, we provide Transition Support to local industry employers, ensuring that our participants have the skills and experience needed for sustainable, long-term employment.
The Inclusive Employment Grant from Westpac will allow us to create 14 new full-award wage jobs for people with disability over the next two years and provide 125 new unpaid training opportunities over a 2 year period. A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Enable is dedicated to creating jobs for diversity and inclusion. Our efforts directly contribute to enhancing the NDIS employment opportunities available for people with disabilities, as well as providing pathways for meaningful work. By focusing on e-waste and electronic waste recycling, we ensure that our participants are engaged in sustainable practices while gaining valuable skills in growing industries. This helps improve the prospects of getting a job in the open labour market.
A Collaborative and Place-Based Approach
Enable is deeply committed to a collaborative and place-based approach to create employment pathways and outcomes. We partner with a wide range of community organisations and government services to ensure that those who face significant barriers to employment have the support they need. Our partnerships include local employment, training and support services organisations such as WCIG, Wise Ways to Work, and Melbourne City Mission, as well as NDIS employment and School Leavers Employment Supports (SLES) service providers. By leveraging these relationships, we create a robust ecosystem of support, ensuring that participants have access to both training and the connections they need to transition into the workforce.
Looking Ahead
This grant from the Westpac Foundation is not just an investment in Enable but an investment in the future of disadvantaged Australians. By expanding our services, increasing job opportunities, and supporting our participants on their path to self-sufficiency, we are taking a significant step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable community.
Thank you to the Westpac Foundation for believing in our vision and mission. We look forward to continuing our work, creating pathways to employment for people who need it most, and making a lasting impact in our community.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and the new opportunities that will arise thanks to this funding.
Learn more about our impact: www.enableaustralia.org.au/our-impact
Learn more about the award from Westpac: Westpac - Investing in Change That Matters
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