A project description and February 2001 update have already been published in the VECO Gallery.

Model Development & Mainstreaming
· The original model outlined a method of providing SWL for students with disabilities with on the job support provided by a CEPT. The model has been further developed to include School based apprenticeships, supported by CEPT's as a method of school to work transition.

* (CEPT's are Competitive Employment, Placement and Training organisations, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services to place people with disabilities in work )

· A VET co ordinator position has been created within the lead CEPT to facilitate Traineeship placements. (Personnel Employment)

· Linkages have been established with WAVES and the CEPT, Personnel Employment, to facilitate access for students with a disability to mainstream traineeship opportunities.

Partnerships, Alliances & Collaboration

· Partnerships, alliances or collaborations have been either established or strengthened between CEPT's, Schools, VET providers, Employers & Other disability specialists across the region.

· There have been 2 examples of especially positive working relationships. Three CEPT's, Personnel Employment, MJP Employment Services and Multiple Solutions are working collaboratively on the project. Collaboration is commendable in an increasingly competitive environment. Students participating in the project were referred from across the 3 school sectors (public, independent, catholic) illustrating the strength of the networks established.

Resources
Existing WAVES SWL protocols have been utilised where appropriate to facilitate mainstreaming. In addition, the following have been developed:

· A SWL tool developed for support staff to use to plan Retail SWL

· An Information kit for supervisors

· Methods of Documenting SWL placements

Awareness and Information

· Marketing materials have been developed for provision to Employers. Marketing material for employers has been revised to include school based apprenticeships.

· Flyers have been developed for distribution to schools/students. The project has been marketed to schools through WAVES information distribution networks, regular teacher forums, and directly by the CEPT's involved contacting teachers.

· Several Information sessions have been held for students, parents, teachers addressing School based apprenticeships, support offered by CEPT's and opportunities in Retail and Manufacturing. Powerpoint presentations have been developed for the information sessions.

· An industry seminar is planned for the end of year 2001 to feed back results of the project.

Sustainability

· Case based funding (CBF) is seen as one of the important aspects of future sustainability of the project. Discussions occurred with the funding body to ensure that participants could be funded by CBF for school based traineeships and that extensions of the CBF placement period are available to accommodate the employment preparation/training phase.

· CBF applications were submitted and approved for the majority of participants . This has secured ongoing employment support for participants and an outcome opportunity for the CEPT. · Sustainability of traineeships as a school to work pathway for students with a disability has been written into the operational plan of the CEPT. It is envisaged that the VET Co ordinator position established within CEPT will provide inter and intra agency support to facilitate sustainability.

· A Working Party has been established to determine how best to secure School Based Apprenticeships for project participants and to address issues of sustainability for future students.

Employer Outcomes

· 5 employers have employed a participant from the project either in a full time job or traineeship.

· 8 Employers have agreed to host a SWL placement for a student with on intellectual disability. This has expanded the network of employers prepared to accept a student with a disability on a placement.

Teacher/School staff outcomes and VET Provider Outcomes

· School-CEPT networks have been strengthened with 11 of the 18 schools in the region having one or more students participating in the program. CEPT staff regularly participate in School networks and forums

· New teachers in the region have been introduced to Centrelink WAT score process. This is an essential prerequisite for students to be able to access a specialist disability employment provider. If teachers are not aware of the process, an access barrier can be created.

Student Outcomes
· Courses have been provided in employment preparation (Becoming a Worker) for 32 participants since the project began. Student destinations are being tracked.

· The WAVES project has obtained 4 full time jobs (process work & cabinet making), 2 full time traineeships (childcare & fast food). A work trial for a part time school based traineeship (fast food) is currently underway and a part time school based traineeship (retail) is expected to commence in July. 1 additional placement was obtained however the student chose to move interstate and job was lost.

· 6 students have undertaken and 12 are currently participating in the Certificate 1 in Engineering. 9 students have undertaken and 10 students are currently participating in the Certificate 1 in Retail. All students who participated in the retail training have undertaken structured work placements in the retail industry. Participants who had no or limited work exposure also undertook work experience placements prior to commencing the courses this term.

CEPT Agency Outcomes
· 3 CEPT agencies have been involved in the program ( Personnel Employment, MJP Employment Services & Multiple Solutions ). Multiple Solutions involvement provides opportunities for students with physical disabilities to participate.

· Ongoing collaboration is occurring with the Western Business Enterprise Centre, WAVES Industry Liaison Staff, the local council 'Switched on to work' Project and CEPT staff to promote the program to employers in the region and gain their support.

· The CEPT's understanding of, ability to secure and support SWL opportunities & traineeships has improved significantly through the following:

· Support staff have been required to support S.W.L
· The CEPT agency has been providing Project Co ordination
· CEPT job search staff have increasing involvement in securing traineeships and have been introduced to local NAC staff
· Mentoring for CEPT support staff who are supporting SWL or traineeships is available through the VET Co ordinator.

Special Conditions Report:
All training received by participants in the program is nationally accredited and delivered by recognised providers. Wherever possible, dual recognition is provided. (SACE and VET)

· The Certificate I in Engineering is based on units selected from the National Metals and Engineering Industry Competency Standards as described in the Metals and Engineering Training Package. The National Code for the Package is MEM98.

· The Certificate I in Retail, designed as a prevocational program. The units are equivalent to those in Phase A of the Certificate II in Retail Operations. The National Retail Training Package Code is WRR10197.

· 'Employability skills - Becoming a Worker' is a Prevocational Course developed by Essential Personnel, NSW and customised for delivery to people with intellectual disabilities in South Australia by Personnel Employment (SA). The National Course Code is 13012NSW.