Charged Up for Work – School Leaver Program

Making the transition from school to work as easy as possible.

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Charged Up for Work (CUFW) is an employment pathway for school students with disability or long-term health conditions. CUFW will help to create a smoother transition from high school to the workplace, making it easier for students to adapt and thrive in new environments.

The program includes a tailored work preparation training program which runs one full day per week for seven weeks, providing students with practical employment skills that will support them in the workplace. Upon completion of the training, graduates will receive up to 12 months’ individualised support to pursue their chosen career.

The CUFW pilot program will be evaluated by a team of highly experienced research experts from Curtin University, who will closely measure its success and apply learnings.

Who is eligible to take part in CUFW?

  • High school aged students
  • Students with disability or long-term health condition that impacts their education and potential for future employment

Download the CUFW school brochure here.

What are the topics covered in the training sessions?

  • Career identification, development and planning
  • Recruitment training (resume writing and job interview preparation)
  • Budgeting skills
  • Work-related communication and workplace expectations
  • Teamwork, problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • Public transportation training and worksite visits
  • Stress management and work/life balance training

What are the employer benefits of hosting CUFW graduates?

  • To address gaps in services and increase workplace diversity
  • To combine employment pathway training with work placement support for a more effective transition into the workplace

Want to find out more about Charged Up for Work?

Contact us

Download the CUFW employer flyer here.

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The pilot will be evaluated by Curtin University to measure the success of early intervention in the employment journey for young people with disability.

The three Researchers who are evaluating the campaign are experienced and highly credited:

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Professor Angus Buchanan

Professor Buchanan commenced working at Curtin University in 2008, and is currently Head of School, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology. Angus held senior management and leadership roles at the Disability Services Commission of Western Australia implementing significant service developments and reforms in therapy and community coordination for people with disabilities.

Angus’ research interests reflects his extensive background working with people with intellectual disabilities and their families and his personal commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities in community.

Angus is currently Vice President Asia Pacific for the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, was the President of the Australasian Society of Intellectual Disability (ASID) from 2013-17, Past District Governor of Rotary, and is a Director and Chairperson of Avivo. He enjoys time with his family and two grand children, an over indulged black Labrador, is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) and is committed to community development and service through his work with Rotary Intentional.

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Dr Stian Thoresen

Stian is a Senior Researcher at NTNU Social Research, Department of Diversity and Inclusion, and a University Associate with the School of Allied Health at Curtin University. Dr Thoresen is a mid-career researcher with substantial experience in applied research to enhance social and economic outcomes for vulnerable and marginalised groups, in particular persons with disabilities, over the past twelve years. Social Justice features prominently across the various international, national, and local projects. He has been part of researcher teams awarded AU$5.86 million in research grants, including AU$2.78 in category one grants and published approximately fifty academic and policy publications. He has carried out four international consultancies related to disability-inclusive development and disability employment. Projects he has carried out in collaboration with Emeritus Professor Cocks around Individual Supported Living for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been awarded two international awards.

Brontë smiling

Brontë Walter

Brontë is a Research Assistant at the school of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology at Curtin University. She has a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours.

Brontë works mostly with young people on projects which look at their stories, their needs, and how workers can best support them. Previously, Brontë studied Social Work, and worked for four years as a disability and mental health support worker.

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