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Disability Project
21-Nov-2000
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The ASTF Lighthouse Initiative - Structured Workplace Learning for Students with a Disability
ECEF Priority Areas project - Lighthouse project by Karina Armstrong |
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| The ASTF has been working for some time with the ANTA Disability Forum to address the under-representation of students with disabilities in the VET system and in VET in School programs. | |
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The Lighthouse initiative was developed as a response to the challenge presented by these low levels of participation. Its focus is on the secondary school years, and its strategy is to identify interventions in schools which can increase the involvement of students with a disability in VET in School programs. A total of $140 000 was allocated by the ASTF to support 3 "Lighthouse" projects each designed to increase Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) opportunities for students with a disability. Projects selected for best practice The 3 projects have been selected for their ability to identify best practice which others can emulate, and to develop a range of models which can be incorporated into mainstream SWL programs. Therefore, one of the key selection criteria was than an existing initiative in providing SWL for students with a disability needed to be in place (rather than funding start-up projects) and that the project proponents had developed sufficient expertise to be able to guide others. Partnerships a key factor Another key criterion for selection was the formation and strengthening of partnerships and working alliances between schools, RTOs, employers, and Competitive Employment Placement and Training (CEPT) agencies and other organisations with expertise in managing disability. In particular, the projects will develop models for linking CEPT agencies to schools and RTOs and to business ¡V a strategy which has been significantly unrecognised at a national level. Expressions of interest were called for in May 2000 and the response was substantial with 87 proposals received from all States and Territories. The selection process was undertaken by the Lighthouse Initiative's Steering Committee, which has representation from industry, education, government, the CEPT network and the ANTA Disability Forum. The 3 successful projects were endorsed as much for their individual merit as for the collective information which they will bring to the Lighthouse Initiative as a whole. They are: Central Coast Business Education Network (CCBEN) who are based in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast Launceston Workplace Learning (LWL) who are based in Launceston, Tasmania Western Adelaide Vocational & Enterprise Services (WAVES) and Email Training Services, who are based in the western region of Adelaide. The projects will be able to communicate with each other and with others who are interested in the projects via the VECO website and email lists. While 15% of the working population (aged 15-65) are known to have a disability, less than 3.5% participate in VET and less than 2% are apprentices or trainees. It is also known that students with a disability take longer to complete VET modules, have lower pass rates and a higher attrition rate than other students. Sustainability a key A key outcome driving the projects is that of Sustainability. The ASTF will be able to identify a range of models which can be applied to existing VET in Schools programs. At the same time, VET systems across Australia can explore the potential which exists in the 84 unsuccessful project proposals should these receive their funding and support. |
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Key contact: |
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Kate Barnett
Project Manager
Kate is the Managing Director of Kate Barnett and Associates and has been appointed by the ASTF as Project Manager. She can be contacted by email at kate@katebarnett.com.au or by phone (08) 8357 2111. Karina Armstrong is the ASTF staff member with responsibility for the Lighthouse Initiative and Karina can be contacted on 1800 626 839. |
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