Powerful Placements Northern Metro

The Powerful Placements program will give tertiary and secondary students with disabilities the chance to complete a work experience placement and receive mentorship from community leaders, in particular Members of Parliament and others within government. These disadvantaged students will gain the experience, skills and contacts so that they too can climb the ladder of opportunity. Students will have the chance to work alongside staff, completing duties such as general office work and research tasks. Students will also be afforded the opportunity to shadow their mentor and work with and learn from them directly.

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities in Australia is roughly twice that of those without disabilities, and this has been an ongoing problem without much improvement for the past 20 years. Young people with disabilities have less access to the democratic and political process. This initiative will help address both these inequalities and thus benefit the wider community. Moreover, this will help educate those in government and other leaders about the importance of inclusive work practices that help support people with diverse needs to participate in the workforce. Together we can give local students the powerful opportunities they deserve.