The VOCATIONS Program™

Step 1 — Goal Setting & Capacity Review 

Participants are supported to clarify their goals, interests, and current capacity. This step helps ensure the experience is well-matched, realistic, and supportive—laying the groundwork for meaningful participation and growth. 

Step 2 — Meet & Greet (20min) 

A short, supported introduction at the workplace allows the participant and business to meet, connect, and get a feel for one another. This low-pressure visit helps build comfort, trust, and confidence before any work begins. 

Step 3 — Trial Session (90min)
Participants take part in a structured, mentored session within the business. The focus is on participation, routine, and confidence-building—allowing both the participant and the business to assess fit in a supportive, real-world setting. 

Step 4 — Internship (6 sessions over 6 weeks)
The internship phase provides consistent, supported exposure to the workplace. Across six weekly sessions, participants gradually build confidence, skills, and familiarity with routines, tasks, and teamwork. 

Each session is guided by experienced mentors and supportive business teams, with flexibility to move at a pace that suits the participant. 

Step 5— Progress Review

At the conclusion of the internship, a professional review captures progress, strengths, and areas for further development. This review is shared with the participant and their support network, helping inform next steps. 

Step 6 — Continue or Transition 

From here, participants may:

• continue with further internships 
• transition toward employment or IEA pathways
• or use their experience to guide other life, learning, or independence goals
   

Wherever the journey leads, Vocations ensures the experience contributes to greater confidence, clarity, and capability.

CLIENTS:

The Vocations Program™ offers more than skill-building—it offers a chance to take part, belong, and grow.

Participants benefit from:

• real experience in a supportive, everyday workplace
• growing confidence through meaningful contribution
• patient mentoring that meets you at your own pace
• opportunities to discover strengths, interests, and capability
   

Many participants say The Vocations Program™  helps them feel more confident, more capable, and more comfortable being part of a team—often for the first time.

 BUSINESSES:

The Vocations Program™ gives businesses a practical way to contribute while strengthening their team and operations.

Participating businesses benefit from:

• paid support for hosting participants during quieter trade periods
• stronger team culture built through mentoring and shared purpose
• positive community recognition for inclusive practice
• the opportunity to shape future workers in a supported, low-risk way

Many businesses find that participating in The Vocations Program™ brings renewed purpose to their workplace—creating pride, connection, and impact beyond the day-to-day trade.

FOR DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT PROVIDERS:

The Vocations Program™  supports people to become genuinely work-ready before formal employment begins.

DES and IEA providers benefit from:

• candidates with stronger confidence, resilience, and workplace readiness
• improved engagement and retention across employment programs
• supported, low-risk trial work experiences with real employers
• clear session reporting that informs placement and planning decision
   

Many DES partners use Vocations as a pre-employment pathway—helping participants build the foundational skills and confidence that underpin sustained employment outcomes.

FOR THE  NDIA:

The Vocations Program™ supports the NDIS objective of increasing independence, economic participation, and quality of life for participants.

The program contributes to:

• improved functional independence through real-world participation
• increased confidence, purpose, and capacity for independent living
• stronger pathways toward employment and financial security
• documented progress in social, vocational, and life-skill development
• reduced long-term reliance on funded supports through capability building
   

By strengthening foundational skills and confidence in real environments, The Vocations Program™ supports participants to move toward greater independence—aligning with the NDIA’s focus on value for money, capacity building, and sustainable outcomes.