Barkuma SLES Success Stories
Moving from school to work transition for students with disabilities can be daunting for any young person, but for Braiden, Stacey, and Chloe, Barkuma’s School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) has made this transition a positive and empowering journey. SLES is designed to help young people with disabilities explore their work potential, build essential skills, and gain the confidence needed to achieve their career goals.
Braiden’s Story
Braiden joined SLES after participating in Barkuma’s Transition Program and has been an active participant ever since. Currently, he volunteers at the Salvos, where he takes pride in tagging prices on items. Volunteering has become a significant part of Braiden’s routine, and he plans to continue contributing to his community in this way.
One of Braiden’s major achievements through SLES is learning how to use public transport independently. With the support of his case manager, Braiden has gained confidence in navigating buses, which has opened up new opportunities for him to explore his interests and pursue potential career paths. Braiden has expressed a keen interest in writing and acting.
The two-year duration of SLES allows participants like Braiden to fully develop their skills and explore various opportunities. Whether they want to move on to Disability Employment Services (DES), further education or other employment options, SLES is tailored to meet each participant’s individual needs and goals.
Stacey’s Journey
After completing a retail course at TAFE, Stacey joined SLES six months ago. Her involvement has been instrumental in helping her learn essential skills such as resume writing and money handling. Like Braiden, Stacey volunteers at Salvos, where she enjoys organising items and contributing to the store’s operations.
Stacey’s SLES experience is enriched by Barkuma’s hybrid model of delivery, featuring both one-on-one support and group activities. She meets with her case manager once a week to discuss her progress, explore new activities and receive guidance on her career path. In addition to these individual sessions, Stacey participates in group sessions, where she develops work-related skills alongside other participants.
A highlight of Stacey’s journey has been the opportunity to engage with her community through sessions held in various settings, such as libraries and cafes. These experiences not only help Stacey build independence but also foster a sense of belonging and social connection.
Chloe’s Path to Independence
Chloe joined SLES after exploring different providers and ultimately choosing Barkuma. From the start, Chloe embraced the opportunity, excited to learn about independence and gain work experience. Throughout her journey, she discovered her passion for helping others and now aspires to become a social worker, youth worker or paramedic.
During her time with SLES, Chloe volunteered with the Starlight Foundation, where she found joy in making children smile. One of her proudest accomplishments was passing her learner’s driving permit test with the help of her caseworkers.
Chloe has successfully transitioned to employment, with plans to attend further education in the future to pursue a career in health. She continues to volunteer in a canteen, and enjoys creative outlets like dancing, singing and making TikToks in her free time.
Her caseworker praises Chloe’s positive attitude and her willingness to embrace new experiences. Chloe encourages others to stay open-minded and follow their passions, recognising that SLES has been instrumental in helping her gain independence and set long-term goals.
A Supportive Environment for Growth
Barkuma’s SLES offers a comprehensive and person-centred approach. By providing a mix of individualised support and group activities, the supports empower participants to develop the skills they need for future employment while also encouraging social engagement and community involvement.
SLES is not just about finding a job; it’s about building a foundation for a fulfilling and independent life. For Braiden, Stacey and Chloe, it has provided them with the tools and support needed to pursue their goals, explore new opportunities and ultimately, transition into the workforce with confidence.
To enquire about the School Leavers Employment Supports at Barkuma, call (08) 8414 7100, or email barkuma@barkuma.com.au