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Training boost for disabled

THE South Australian Government has announced a $1-million boost to expand a major training and employment programme for people with disabilities.
The innovative vocational training programme, Abilities for All, was launched in late-2006 by Employment, Further Education and Training Minister, Paul Caica as the first ever state-wide programme to provide accredited workplace training for people with disabilities.
Abilities for All is a joint initiative between government and the disability sector, undertaken by Bedford Industries with TAFE SA. It was funded by $850,000 of State Government funds in its first year under the South Australia Works program and with State training subsidies.
"This important initiative has been designed to assist South Australians with a disability to fully participate in the labour market", he Caica said.
"It has proved to be highly successful in achieving its aims and I am delighted to announce that the State Government will provide an additional $1-million over the next year to deliver accredited TAFE training for another 200 participants across the state."
"This initiative has enabled many Bedford employees to develop their literacy, numeracy and life skills and achieve vocational competencies that help them secure community based 'open' employment.
"To date, over 370 employees have participated in Certificate I, II and III in Hospitality, Viticulture, Horticulture and Office Administration through the pilot project and Abilities for All.
"In 2006, we saw over 120 successful participants graduate from the pilot programme and this time over 200 will graduate from Abilities for All in the largest ever South Australia graduation for people with a disability."
Of the latest graduates, 165 have achieved a Certificate II qualification, 11 students have won a Certificate III and two students have achieved a Certificate I in Engineering. All others will receive a Statement of Attainment.
The new AU$1m programme will include a consortium of nine organisations across the State: Bedford Industries Inc (lead agency), Barkuma Inc, Community Vocational Support, Finding Workable Solutions (FWS) Employment Services Inc, HETA Inc, Millicent Work Options Centre Inc, Minda Inc, Orana Inc, and SA Group Enterprises Inc.