Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice

🌱 A Day at Carawah Nursery with Grant Rankin 🌱 Today, Tom and I had the pleasure of visiting Carawah Nursery in Hoddles Creek, where we met the wonderful Managing Director, Grant Rankin. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed—not just by Grant but also by two adorable dogs, Oakey (a Chocolate Lab) and Digger (a Golden Retriever). 🐶🐾   This visit was part of the CDERP Work First program, which supports clients like Tom in their journey to find meaningful work and build their capacity. Through tailored assistance, Work First helps individuals explore career opportunities, connect with employers, and develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workforce.   Grant remembered our chat from the previous day and quickly connected with Tom, recognising his impressive 30+ years of business experience and recent work at another nursery. This set the stage for an insightful and engaging visit!   Grant gave us an in-depth tour of the nursery, walking us through the hothouses where small cuttings transform into thriving plants. 🌿✨ We even got a firsthand look at the advanced watering and misting systems that play a crucial role in nurturing healthy plants.   In the preparation area, we met Fran, the team leader, who showed us how cuttings are treated with hormones to encourage growth. Grant's detailed explanation of these processes and the care and efficiency with which they are carried out left us deeply impressed and inspired.   Tom was particularly impressed by the nursery's inclusive and organised work environment, noting the diversity of staff and welcoming culture. Toward the end of our tour, Grant and Tom discussed work hours, confirming a Monday-to-Friday schedule with no weekend shifts—a great fit for Tom's full-time preferences!   The partnership between CDERP Work First and local employers like Carawah Nursery showcases how collaboration can empower individuals to achieve their goals while enriching workplaces with skilled and motivated talent. Tom walked away from this visit feeling excited about the possibilities ahead! 🌟     #CDERPWorkFirst #CarawahNursery #Horticulture #BuildingCapacity #NewOpportunities  

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🌟 Celebrating Paris’ Journey with the CDERP Work First Program! 🌟 Over the past few months, Paris has been part of the CDERP Work First Program, and the transformation has been incredible to witness. 🚗✨ What is the Work First Program? The program focuses on empowering individuals to develop skills, gain work experience, and build confidence through real-world opportunities. It’s all about achieving meaningful employment and creating a pathway to long-term success. The Benefits of the Program: ✅ Real Work Experience: Paris began with unpaid work at Complete Accident Repair, gradually transitioning to paid employment. This hands-on approach has built his confidence and skills in a real-world environment. ✅ Personal Growth: Together, we worked on life skills like commuting independently, improving his eating and sleeping habits, and maintaining punctuality. ✅ Supportive Environment: The program fosters a strong support network, connecting participants with mentors, like myself, and employers who believe in their potential. ✅ Goal-Oriented Pathways: With our guidance, Paris is on his way to securing a full-time apprenticeship and is actively working towards his driving license to enhance his independence. Through the Work First Program, Paris has found a supportive employer in Bill from Complete Accident Repair, who is not only guiding his career but also helping him get his car road-ready—a gesture that speaks volumes about the program’s network of dedicated professionals. Paris’ journey is a shining example of how the CDERP Work First Program makes a real difference, providing a foundation for success and building the confidence needed to achieve life-long goals. 🌟 We’re incredibly proud of how far Paris has come and excited to see all he will achieve in the future! Let’s celebrate the power of programs like these to change lives! 💼💪 #WorkFirst #CDERP #EmpoweringFutures #HardWorkPaysOff #ProudMoment #CompleteAccidentRepair  

🐾 A Purr-fect Visit to Melton Pound! 🐾 As part of the CDERP Glide In program, our students had the fantastic opportunity to visit Melton Pound. This program focuses on providing hands-on, real-world experiences to help students explore potential career pathways and develop practical skills. During the visit, Stuart, the manager at Melton Pound, gave an engaging and insightful tour, sharing the ins and outs of daily activities. Students got hands-on experience setting up pens and learned about job descriptions and study pathways in animal care. These experiences sparked excitement, with two students even saying they could see themselves pursuing careers in this field! 👏 The program benefits students by: 🌟 Building confidence and real-world skills. 🌟 Offering exposure to unique industries and careers. 🌟 Inspiring personal growth and future aspirations. Of course, the adorable animals stole the show! Several students joked about sneaking kittens home in their backpacks 🐱❤️, one teacher offered to adopt a puppy 🐶, and another asked about donations to support the Pound. Did you know you can donate items like towels, blankets, and newspapers to help care for the animals? Every little bit makes a difference! A huge thank you to Stuart and the Melton Pound team for making this visit so inspiring and memorable. The students gained so much from the experience—both in learning and in heart. 🙌 #AnimalCare #StudentExperience #CDERP #GlideIn #MeltonPound #SupportLocal  

Every year, the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD) rolls around too much fanfare. We can do better and make it every day! https://lnkd.in/gQhPWe2U... #intellectualdisability #cderpcollege #asd #glidein #socialentreprise #ade #ndis #customisedemployment #workfirst #drpetersmith #des #supportedemployment #discovery #IDPwD

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📢 Client Spotlight: Exploring New Horizons with Glenn Manton and CDERP Work First Through the CDERP Work First program, our clients are exposed to a variety of new experiences to help them make informed choices about their pathways. Recently, one of our clients had the incredible opportunity to connect with Glenn Manton via Teams for an insightful and motivational conversation. This direct engagement with a figure of Glenn's caliber is a testament to the unique opportunities the program provides. Glenn—a professional keynote speaker, business owner, and former AFL player—shared highlights from his extensive career and personal journey. With a Bachelor’s in Teaching, a Bachelor’s in Education, and a Diploma in Mentoring, Glenn has over 25 years of global experience in education, 20+ years as a professional speaker, and is a published author. As the co-founder of Whitelion, Glenn draws on a wealth of experiences, both positive and challenging, to engage audiences and leave a lasting impact. When reflecting on his AFL career, Glenn shared the mental, physical, and emotional challenges of elite sports. From managing injuries to navigating public scrutiny, resilience was key. While he no longer follows football due to negative associations, these experiences shaped his life skills, which he now channels into his speaking and mentoring work. Our client was particularly eager to learn about public speaking and overcoming nerves. Glenn highlighted the value of nervous energy, recommending a "campfire conversation" approach—intimate, engaging, and authentic. He advised avoiding overly formal settings and embracing storytelling to create genuine connections. For further inspiration, Glenn suggested exploring YouTube for campfire storytelling techniques. To structure his speaking journey, Glenn encouraged our client to reflect on life in five-year increments, selecting standout stories and distilling them into five impactful narratives. His mantra? Less is more—focus on concise, memorable moments that resonate with audiences. Glenn also emphasised the unique charm of our client’s accent, suggesting it could be a powerful and engaging element in storytelling. He commended our client’s intelligence and potential to inspire others, particularly in the areas of disability and neurodiversity. This recognition of our client's unique qualities reinforces our commitment to diversity and inclusion, making us all the more appreciative of the rich tapestry of voices within our community. We’re proud to see our clients embracing opportunities like this through the CDERP Work First program and gaining inspiration to grow and share their stories. Watch this space as his journey unfolds! 🌟 #Motivation #CDERPWorkFirst #PublicSpeaking #Inspiration #DisabilityAdvocacy #GlenManton  https://lnkd.in/g6nW9UZf

Congratulations to Phill and Amy on completing the full 120 hours of study and practice, joining the ranks of the few who have undertaken the highest level of training in Customised Employment. In 2025, this program will evolve and undertake evaluation for ACRE accreditation, joining the ranks of our 40-hour Customised Employment program that is currently undergoing its accreditation review. Another reason and benefit of our decades-long training research and partnerships that support Customised Employment and professional practice in Australia. In line with globally accepted standards, we have some new tools that support individual and organisational fidelity and ensure the public and government receive evidence-based services that align with global best practices. www.college.cderp.com.au #customisedemployment #discovery #cderp #cderpcollege #drpetersmith #ndis #des #ade #supportedemployment #socialentreprise #intellectualdisability #asd #workfirst #glidein #customisedemploymenttraining

🎉 What an amazing day for our CDERP Glide In kids at Victoria University Polytechnic, Sunshine Campus! 🎉 Today, they dove into the fascinating world of metalwork and engineering with hands-on activities, making their own keyrings using a variety of tools. 🛠️🔑 Huge thanks to Wayne and Graeme for their expertise and for making the experience so engaging—our students couldn’t stop smiling! 😊 The CDERP Glide In program is all about building confidence, practical skills, and career curiosity in young people. This year, the kids have explored real-world workplaces, connected with inspiring mentors, and developed a deeper understanding of the diverse pathways available to them. 🚀 Experiences like today at VU Polytechnic are invaluable—they spark creativity, nurture problem-solving skills, and showcase the incredible opportunities waiting in industries like engineering. 🌟 Here’s to more moments of growth, fun, and inspiration! 💡💪 #CDERPGlideIn #YouthOpportunities #EngineeringExploration #CareerSkills #ThanksWayneAndGraeme #VUPolytechnic #PathwaysToSuccess

🎉 Celebrating Chrissie’s New Career! 🎉 We’re so thrilled to share some fantastic news about one of our much-loved clients, Chrissie! She has just been offered a job at Stranger Coffeehouse & Kitchen, a role that perfectly aligns with her goals and passions. This is what capacity building and customised employment look like with CDERP’s assistance—working together to create opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their dreams. 🌟 A special shoutout to Andy Smith from Stranger Coffeehouse, who has been extremely helpful and supportive of Chrissie’s journey. It’s partnerships like these that make all the difference! What a wonderful way to end Inclusion at Work Week—celebrating real progress toward workplace diversity and meaningful employment for all. Let’s all wish Chrissie the very best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her career. We know she’s going to shine in her first shifts and beyond! ☕✨ #ClientWin #StrangerCoffeehouseAndKitchen #EmploymentSuccess #DreamJob #CapacityBuilding #CustomisedEmployment #InclusionAtWork #CDERPWorkFirst #SupportiveEmployers