Impact Program participants shine at Ben & Jerry’s and Carlton Football Club
Participants are making great strides in their journey towards open employment and we're thrilled to share their recent adventures at Ben & Jerry's and Carlton Football Club.
About the Impact Program
Our Impact Program participants are making great strides in their journey towards open employment and we are thrilled to share their recent activities and achievements. Designed to provide structured job skills training and work experience, our Impact Program is a one-year group program focused on providing job skills training and work experience, equipping people with disability with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce.
As part of the program, participants attend six orientation days, each hosted by a different employer. These days are designed to give participants hands-on experience in various fields and industries, supporting them to explore their career aspirations and build a diverse skill set.
Our current participants have interests working in retail, sports, administration and hospitality roles. Here’s a look at some of their latest endeavours through the program.
Scooping up skills at Ben & Jerry’s
Our Impact Program participants recently had a delightful experience at Ben & Jerry’s in St Kilda. During their employer orientation, they got the full scoop from brand history to hands-on learning and cleaning tasks. Two participants then returned to complete a two-day intensive job experience, which not only provided them with valuable job skills, but also offered them a sweet taste of the working world.
“I feel happy and proud of the good work I did at Ben & Jerry’s,” said participant Julian.
Rainer shared similar enthusiasm, saying, “I did well today. I learned lots of things about Ben & Jerry’s and then I worked hard. I can do it!”
This reflects the empowering nature of the Impact Program and the significant strides our participants are making towards successful employment.
Exciting orientation with Carlton Football Club
Our participants also recently attended a very exciting orientation day at Carlton Football Club. Through the job trial at Carlton F.C, participants engaged in administrative tasks such as packing welcome packs and showbags, and managing internal office supplies through stocktakes. For participants interested in sports and administration roles, this was a golden opportunity to enhance their skills and gain firsthand experience in a professional setting.
After the orientation, some of the clients will complete work experience based on their interest and potential alignment of skills for the proposed permanent role. Clients will complete two work experience days where they’ll be supported by the employer and a member of Yooralla’s Impact employment team. During this time, both employers and Impact staff assess and match skills to the role. Most importantly, our clients gain real work experience and have a say in shaping their job roles.
Between August and December 2024, clients will be matched with the right role for them and continue part-time work experience. The aim is for employers to offer permanent positions to participants after this period.
A big thanks to both Carlton Football Club and Ben & Jerry’s for hosting our participants and providing such valuable learning experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates as our participants continue their journey through the Impact Program!
Yooralla’s Impact Program
The Impact Program's comprehensive approach includes a discovery process, classroom-style job skills training and job coaching. Through this, we help participants explore their strengths, interests and employment goals. Our training supports people with disability to develop independence, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication and digital literacy.
Supported by dedicated job coaches, our participants are not only gaining work experience but also receiving ongoing mentorship. This support ensures they are well-prepared for the transition into open employment within their community.
Applications for our Impact Program starting in February 2025 will open soon!
Employment Services
Yooralla can support you to pursue your employment goals by providing job skills training and building pathways into supported, open and customised employment.