Transition from School to Work

The Transition programme is based on the assumption that the first option for the majority of school leavers with a disability is the securing of paid employment.  In order for students to make real and informed choices about a career path, they require the experience of work.

Transition is not a new concept.  Every student goes through a transition process.

For most students the expectation of part-time work while preparing to move from school to the workforce is a reality and a natural progression.  Some of the benefits of this part-time work are increased confidence, increased task specific competence and a natural development in understanding of appropriate workplace behaviour and culture.  New friendships are created and new experiences in the wider community become available.

The CCS Transition from School to Work service will assist students experiencing disability to access these same learning opportunities through its Transition programme.

What is Work Experience? Why Work Experience?

To give people the greatest opportunities the work experience is undertaken in real work places.  Evidence clearly shows it is not possible to create a realistic work environment in any other environment than a real work place.  Experiences of work should offer diverse opportunities within a variety of environments and cultures and tasks will ideally be varied.

Work experience is not viewed as the destination but as an opportunity for the student to discover areas of strength and particular interest to them.  Having experience of work in the open community allows students experiencing disability to make decisions based on actual experiences.  Where a place and type of work wasn’t enjoyable, this creates an opportunity to pursue other areas that are of interest to the student.  We have all worked in environments that didn’t suit us at some stage of our lives!

We stand alone - but don't work alone - You are the experts

There is no such thing as an ‘expert’ with regard to supporting people experiencing disability.  The Transition service values every student as an individual, whose own life journey is unique to them.  Supporting students to increase their personal networks is also a vital part in the Transition process and we would love to hear from you as to how this could possibly be achieved with each and every student.  The ‘experts’ are those people who know him/her best.  These include family/whanau, friends, teaching staff and the student him/her self.  For this reason your input is not only encouraged but vital to the successful transition of the student from school to work.  CCS Transition from School to Work is a new service that provides a transition programme during the students last two years of school.  Evidence from within New Zealand and from overseas shows us that in order for students experiencing disability to have the same opportunities as other students to make informed decisions; it is vital to allow enough time to ensure several options and experiences are made available to them.

The CCS Transition from School to Work service has been made available due to the support of the COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT GROUP.

Transition from School to work Programme

A Transition Programme for Students with Disabilities between the ages of 16 and 20.

The transition from school to work programme is part of CCS’s further commitment to supporting people with a disability into  paid employment.

The Transition programme is based on the understanding that the first option for school-leavers is the securing of paid employment, sometimes via tertiary or further education.

In order for students to be able to make an informed choice about which career path they would like to follow, they require experience of work.

What is the duration of the work experience?

Each work experience will last for a term at a time for up to 8 hours / week (i.e. 2 half days, a full day or several 2 hour time slots). The aim of the programme is to have one placement per school term.

What training is available?

On commencing the work experience a Job Coach can be placed with the student. The student carries no responsibility at the work experience site but is there simply to experience the type of work done at that location.

What about Health and Safety?

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC):
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) will cover the     student, as they will be a non-earning employee.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH):
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) requires that both the student and their Job Coach are told about any health and safety hazards at the work site.

How it works

• A pupil is referred to the Transition Co-ordinator by the school with the agreement of the family.
• The Transition Co-ordinator will work within the planning system already in place and will offer to facilitate Path Planning.
• The Transition Co-ordinator, in conjunction with existing school programme, will jointly organise work experience placements for the students each term for up to 2 years previous to the student leaving school.
• In the final year of the students schooling some holiday or after-school work can be organised.
• The school will supply a Teacher-Aid to act as Job Coach and transport the student as necessary.
• CCS will offer its Supported Employment Service (Accomplish) to the students on leaving school.

How will it benefit the student?

• Raised self-esteem through participation in the work force.
• Gained experience in the work environment, which is an important par of career development.
• Work experience is well recognised with career advisors as a vital part of career planning for students.
• Development of new skills and enhancement of social competencies.

This information offers the framework for the working partnership between local schools and NZCCS Bay of Plenty.