Barkuma’s Employment Services: support for every stage of the employment journey
For 40 years, Barkuma has supported people with developmental disability to find their place in the workforce.
Barkuma was established as a specialist disability service provider supporting people with developmental disability. In 1986, we began delivering employment services through Project Employment, becoming the first specialist provider of Employment Services in South Australia.
Over the past 40 years, the way employment services are funded and delivered has changed, but our commitment to supporting people into employment has remained the same.
Today, Barkuma’s Employment Services include the Transition Program, Steps2Work and Inclusive Employment Australia. Each has a different purpose, eligibility and funding arrangement, but they share the same approach: knowing the person, understanding their goals and providing support that enables them to move towards the working life they want.
Read the story of Barkuma’s 40 years of employment services here.
Barkuma’s Employment Services at a glance
Service | Who is it for? | How is it funded? |
| Transition Program | Final-year high school students with developmental disability | Funded by Barkuma, with some VET fees applying |
| Steps2Work – NDIS employment supports | NDIS participants | NDIS plan |
| Inclusive Employment Australia | People with developmental disability | Australian Government |
The right employment support depends on a person’s circumstances, goals and where they are in their employment journey.
Transition Program
The Transition Program is a 12-month pre-employment program for final-year high school students with developmental disability. Students attend one day a week during school terms and build practical skills and experience as they prepare for life after school.
During terms one and two, students explore careers and build employment skills through activities such as:
- career counselling
- résumé writing
- mock interviews
- worksite visits
- exploring different career options
During terms three and four, students complete accredited vocational training through TAFE SA or private registered training providers in areas such as hospitality, retail, construction, and hair and beauty.
The final term includes supported work experience and a graduation ceremony. Students work towards nationally recognised qualifications and may earn credit towards the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
After completing the program, students can move into a range of pathways, including Inclusive Employment Australia or Steps2Work. The Transition Program is funded by Barkuma, with some fees applying to the vocational training component.
Steps2Work
Steps2Work is Barkuma’s name for its NDIS employment supports. Participants use funding in their NDIS plan, under the Capacity Building category Finding and Keeping a Job, to work towards their employment goals, develop skills and prepare for, find and maintain employment.
Support is tailored to the individual and can include:
- identifying employment goals
- developing workplace skills
- building confidence and independence
- learning how to travel to and from work
- preparing for job applications and interviews
- understanding different pathways into employment
- developing the skills needed to maintain a job
For some people, Steps2Work can also provide information about different pathways into employment, including whether Inclusive Employment Australia may be suitable for them.
Inclusive Employment Australia
Inclusive Employment Australia is an Australian Government-funded program that supports people to prepare for work, find suitable employment and maintain their jobs. As a specialist provider, Barkuma delivers the program for people with developmental disability.
Barkuma provides inclusive employment support in Adelaide and across South Australia, tailored to each person’s goals and circumstances. Support can include:
- identifying employment goals
- preparing for work, including job searching, résumé writing and interview skills
- connecting with employers and finding a suitable job
- on-the-job support to learn new tasks and settle into the workplace
- working with employers to set up the role and the right level of support
- ongoing support to keep the job
Support starts early in a person’s employment journey and continues for as long as it is needed, with the level of support easing as the person builds confidence and independence in the role.
One approach across every service
Know the person.
We take the time to understand each person’s strengths, interests, goals and aspirations.
Build relationships.
We work alongside the person and their employer to create employment opportunities that work for everyone.
Stay alongside them.
Support can continue after someone starts a job. We provide support for as long as it is needed to maintain employment and achieve personal goals.
Because employment is about more than having a job.
For some people, it can mean greater independence. For others, it can provide the financial independence to travel or pursue personal goals, build confidence, meet new people, contribute to their community or develop a greater sense of purpose and connection.
That’s why Barkuma’s Employment Services focus on the person, not just the job.
Not sure which employment support is right for you?
Our Employment Services team can help you understand the different options available and identify the support that best fits your circumstances and employment goals. If you’re looking for inclusive employment support in Adelaide or metropolitan South Australia, contact Barkuma to learn more.