Ticket to Work Program Accreditation Guidelines Handbook

Ticket to Work Program Accreditation Guidelines Handbook 1

Contents 1. Ticket to Work Background... 3 1.1 Scoping Research... 3 1.2 Partnership Model... 4 1.3 National Ticket to Work Network and Program Governance... 4 1.4 National Ticket to Work Funding... 5 2. Ticket to Work Goals / Objectives... 5 3. Accreditation... 5 3.1 Accreditation Process... 5 3.2 Accreditation Cost... 6 3.3 Accreditation Support... 6 4. Ticket to Work Model Criteria... 6 4.1 Accreditation Criteria... 6 Criteria 1: Students must have a recognised disability... 6 Criteria 2: Ticket to Work must be managed by a local partnership... 6 Criteria 3: Program reporting and communication is required... 7 5. Branding and Marketing... 7 5.2 Branding Collateral... 7 5.3 Marketing Collateral... 8 5.4 Future Collateral Development... 8 6. Program Materials... 8 7. More information... 9 Ticket to Work (Local Program) - Application and Agreement... 10 Ticket to Work (Local Program) Monthly Program Report... 12 2

1. Ticket to Work Background Ticket to Work was piloted in 2012 as a School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) program for students with diagnosed intellectual disabilities attending two Melbourne special schools (Berendale School and Montague Continuing Education Centre). An SBAT allows students to attend paid work one-day per week, undertake vocational training (eg. Certificate II in Hospitality) and complete their senior school studies. Ticket to Work recognises that many students with disabilities struggle to successfully make the transition from school to employment. Ticket to Work also recognises that every young person (whether they have a disability or not) is entitled to participate in their community, source appropriate employment, and have an active social life. The 2011 PriceWaterhouseCoopers report Disability expectations: Investing in a better life, a stronger Australia (p. 9) highlights the poor employment access and relative poverty statistics for Australians with a disability: Only 50% of Australians with a disability are likely to be employed; compared to 60% for the OECD, and 70% for the top eight OECD countries. 45% of Australians with a disability live in/near poverty, more than double the OECD average. The Australian Bureau of Statistics Disability and Work Report (2012) showed that only 38% of young people aged 18 24 years with disability completed Year 12 or its equivalent. The poor labour-market statistics for persons with a disability suggest a critical need for more work-based learning opportunities (SBATs) during their secondary schooling. Ticket to Work aims to redress the poor employment, social and economic inclusion rates currently experienced by young people with disabilities. Ticket to Work was also predicated on scoping research which suggested that an SBAT program for students with disabilities would have a greater chance of success if it was built around a partnership of organisations sharing common program goals, a willingness to share their differing core competencies and a willingness to collaborate (potentially with organisations that under other circumstances would be competitors for funding or clients etc). The National Ticket to Work Network have worked collaboratively to undertake research, develop branding and marketing materials, conduct research with program stakeholders, establish employer networks, present at relevant conferences and forums, and apply for awards. Most importantly the partnership have assisted students to commence in SBATs and in doing so begin to break down some of the barriers to labour force participation put up by employers, parents and students themselves. Please note, the term School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) used throughout this document is referred to by different names in different states and jurisdictions. Some of these other terms include Australian School based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (ASBA), School Based Apprenticeship (SBA) or Australian School based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (ASBAT). 1.1 Scoping Research In building the National Ticket to Work Network and developing the Ticket to Work model, research was undertaken which led to the development of the Ticket to Work - A best practice SBAT model for students with a disability report. This report consisted of a literature review of approaches to apprenticeships and traineeships for people with a disability and recommendations for developing a best practice support model that would assist young people with a disability make an effective transition to SBAT employment. Key findings were: The correlation between undertaking work experience during schooling and higher post-school employment for young people with disabilities is well documented. However the poor labour market statistics for persons with a disability suggest a critical need for more work-based learning opportunities (be that an apprenticeship, traineeship or part-time work) during the secondary schooling years. While apprenticeship and traineeship completion rates for persons with a disability remain low, those without a disability also register low levels of completion; evidencing that a young person s disability does not necessarily affect their capacity to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Indeed, research would suggest that completion rates are more greatly affected by other individual characteristics than by the disability itself. Research has shown that young people with a disability who are enrolled in an apprenticeship or traineeship have better employment outcomes, when compared against other types of VET courses, largely because of the employment relationship embedded in the arrangement. 3

Research shows that a student s chance of successfully completing their VET studies or SBAT may be improved if they have additional support such as career counselling; a supportive training environment; natural supports; disability diversity recognition; self efficacy development; and, travel confidence. A number of stakeholders must be involved when students with a disability are pursuing an SBAT pathway, including: state training service/s; Australian Apprenticeship Centre; education department regions; parents and carers; school staff; employers and their staff; TAFE Institutes /Registered Training Organisations (RTOs); Disability Employment Services (DES); Workplace Learning Coordinators; significant others; and, LLENs (Victoria) or Partnership Brokers (Australia-wide). The sheer number of SBAT stakeholders with key roles means that a clearly articulated strategy to implement and coordinate any pilot disability SBAT program is required. Research has identified that the greatest obstacle confronting people with disability when seeking to secure an apprenticeship of their choice is in the sourcing a suitable agency willing and able to provide the necessary placement and post-placement assistance. There are obvious synergies in Disability Employment Services and the Apprenticeship / Traineeship sectors collaborating to pool their expertise and resources for mutual advantage. In an effort to maximise employment sourcing success and minimise potential workplace negativity, disability employment best practice have adopted a case management approach to marketing people with disabilities and, more recently, a customised employment approach. More than for other workers, addressing employer concerns, the correct matching of skills to the job and the effective use of access technology is critical in contributing to the productivity of people with disabilities in the workplace. The most significant systemic deficit is the lack of a clearly articulated model to implement best practice strategies, minimise barriers, and identify processes that will efficiently and effectively coordinate arrangements. On that basis it became clear that a holistic and collaborative partnership approach with a range of regional stakeholders was required if an SBAT program for students with a disability was to succeed. A short video about the program made in 2012, prepared by Sandringham College Year 11 students, can be accessed on YouTube - www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwo4zdamwg8 1.2 Partnership Model The pilot Ticket to Work program was borne out of a partnership of organisations all sharing a common desire to increase employability options for young people with a disability, and in doing so improve their social inclusion in the future. A range of organisations can work in partnership to establish Ticket to Work these may include Specialist Secondary Schools Secondary Colleges Local Learning Employment Networks (LLEN) Partnership Brokers Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) Workplace Learning Coordination (WLC) National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) Government Departments Group Training Organisation (GTO) Disability Employment Service (DES) Local Employment Coordinators (LEC) Each state will vary in the different state funded programs and organisations that can contribute to the network. The partnership will share goodwill, expertise and resources. 1.3 National Ticket to Work Network and Program Governance The National Ticket to Work Network Committee is the strategic partnership body responsible to maintaining, growing and governing the Ticket to Work model. It is comprised of representatives from a range of sectors who share their expertise to ensure Ticket to Work remains current and relevant into the future. The Bayside Glen Eira Kingston Local Learning and Employment Network (BGK LLEN) manages the National Ticket to Work Network. 4

1.4 National Ticket to Work Funding The National Ticket to Work recently received funding from the Australian Government, though the National Disability Employment Initiative (NDEI), until June 2014. The funding gave Ticket to Work the ability to employ a Manager to support and encourage communities nation wide to work together and establish local Ticket to Work Network. The aim of the network is to redress the poor employment and transition outcomes experienced by young people with disability, by bringing local communities together to create opportunities for students with disability to move into positive social, emotional and employment lives beyond school. 2. Ticket to Work Goals / Objectives The Ticket to Work program goals and objectives are: Develop a partnership of organisations all committed to supporting and contributing to the Ticket to Work goals and objectives Place students in sustainable SBATs, employment opportunities or work place experiences Place students into SBATs, employment or work experience that most closely align with their career goals / industry interest area Provide a smooth transition from school to an employment pathway. Provide students with transferable employability skills Break down the barriers that often prevent young people with disabilities from transitioning into employment Provide support to all key stakeholders (student, parent, employer) in a Ticket to Work SBAT or work experience arrangement 3. Accreditation In order to maintain the integrity of Ticket to Work and ensure that the underpinning program philosophy and rationale is maintained, the National Ticket to Work Network is offering accreditation to any partnership who also propose to launch a similar program in their region and wish to operate it under the banner of Ticket to Work. Accreditation applicants need to meet Ticket to Work program criteria (see Criteria Section) in order to receive accreditation. Any accredited Ticket to Work program (known as Local Ticket to Work Program) will be able to: Use the Ticket to Work brand Use Ticket to Work branding and marketing collateral Access other program materials (provided in the Ticket to Work Model Support Kit ) Receive mentoring and assistance from the National Ticket to Work Network Have one representative sit on the National Ticket to Work Network Participate in collaborative research and related activities Participate in collaborative recognition (eg. award) applications Participate in a national advocacy approach to improving outcomes for young people with disability 3.1 Accreditation Process Partnerships wishing to be accredited under the Ticket to Work banner need to go through an accreditation process. The accreditation process consists of the following steps: Stage One: Commencement 1. Build Ticket to Work partnership and commence planning for a Ticket to Work program in local region NB. Applying to commence as a Ticket to Work program will enable a region / lead partner to advise other organisations and potential partner that you are seeking to implement a Ticket to Work program. In addition, the commencement applicant will gain access to support from the National Ticket to Work Network. 5

Stage Two: Formal Application 2. Complete an Application and Agreement Form 3. Application assessed by the National Ticket to Work Network NB. Once formally accredited, the Local Ticket to Work Program will receive their Ticket to Work Model Kit and can formally identify as a Ticket to Work program 3.2 Accreditation Cost There is no accreditation cost while the National Ticket to Work Network is funded. The current NDEI funding finishes in June 2014. Pilot cost (first year of operation) = $100 (plus GST) per Local Network Ongoing cost (from June 2014) = $500 (plus GST) per Local Network per annum This fee will assist the National Ticket to Work Network to offset coordination, administration, marketing, research, meetings and Support Kit development costs. 3.3 Accreditation Support All accreditation applicants will have access to one of the National Ticket to Work Network members to assist during the set up process. 4. Ticket to Work Model Criteria In order to be called a Ticket to Work program, and utilise the existing branding and marketing collateral, applicants must meet a set of criteria aimed at protecting the integrity of Ticket to Work. These criterion are also designed to ensure that the Ticket to Work brand remains a partnership driven program providing SBAT opportunities to students with disabilities. Once accredited, the Local Ticket to Work Program will have access to the array of resources, support, documentation and learnings that the National Ticket to Work Network can offer. 4.1 Accreditation Criteria In order to be formally accredited as a Ticket to Work program, the applicant must share the Ticket to Work philosophy and meet / seek to meet the following criterion: Criteria 1: Students must have a recognised disability Ticket to Work students should be those with an assessed disability. Some exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Local Ticket to Work Program. It is important to ensure that Ticket to Work is offered to students with a recognised disability, as this will help to ensure that local programs aren t inundated with requests for assistance with students who do not have a disability and may be eligible for assistance elsewhere. Criteria 2: Ticket to Work must be managed by a local partnership At the local level, Ticket to Work must be managed by a partnership of organisations. Ticket to Work partnership members must be committed to increasing employability options for young people with a disability and increasing their social and economic participation post-school. Ticket to Work partnership members should include those organisations that share the program philosophy and can contribute to the provision of a holistic and best practice SBAT model for students with disabilities in the local area. Such agencies may include: schools, Disability Employment Services (DES), Local Learning and Employment Networks, youth transitions support services, Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Department of Health, parent support services, Workplace Learning Coordinators, National Disability Coordination Officers, Partnership Brokers, Registered Training Providers. 6

Criteria 3: Program reporting and communication is required The Local Ticket to Work Program must: Complete a Program Report at the end of each calendar year. This Program Report seeks some quantitative information (eg. number of SBAT students) and qualitative information, success stories and recommendations for program improvements. This report is not designed to be onerous but an opportunity to review the program and share those learnings with the National Ticket to Work Network. Attend at least two National Ticket to Work Network meetings annually (these may be physical meetings, online meetings or teleconference meetings these will be determined according to needs and capacity of members). Attending these meetings provides an opportunity to discuss the program, learn from other Local Ticket to Work Programs, share any challenges and share ideas for program improvements. NB. A member of the National Ticket to Work Network will aim to be available to attend your local meeting/s. The purpose of regular reporting is to ensure that programs are: being adequately supported by the National Ticket to Work Network; continue to meet the program criteria; and, to facilitate continuous quality improvement. 5. Branding and Marketing Once accredited the Local Ticket to Work Program will receive Ticket to Work branding and marketing collateral. This collateral can be used to produce documents specific to the local program (eg. letters) or collateral (such as the generic brochure) can be used in its own right. As new material is developed the Local Ticket to Work Program will be invited to make comment. If new collateral is designed which Local Ticket to Work Programs would like to use, they must contribute to the design costs. These will be negotiated with programs prior to any design arrangements being made. 5.2 Branding Collateral The Ticket to Work logo is the key piece of branding collateral for this program. This logo is available in electronic format. The logo cannot be changed or modified in any way, as it is the intellectual capital belonging to the National Ticket to Work Network and has been trademarked accordingly. Much discussion was held before the name Ticket to Work was selected. Ticket to Work was selected for a number of symbolic, philosophical and historical reasons: Ticket infers permission to commence a journey. With regards to this program, the students who will participate are about to embark on a new journey, a significant and important journey into the labour market. Ticket - has historical connotations. Many of the parents and employers who will be part of this program will remember the phrase getting my ticket which meant finishing an apprenticeship. With regards to this program, the students will be participating in an apprenticeship or traineeship and it is hoped they will get their ticket. Ticket infers an investment in a journey, in the same way we pay for any travel. With regards to this program, students and employers will also be investing in their journey as they will be paying in terms of time, energy, enthusiasm and commitment. Ticket is inexorably linked to transport. In relation to this program, many of the participating students will have to take transport to their place of work. For many young people with a disability, taking transport can be a somewhat daunting activity - making transport independence a significant learning milestone for many students who will participate in this program. 7

Work speaks for itself as meaning participation in the labour market. In terms of this program, work speaks strongly to all stakeholders and particularly employers. Work in terms of the program, a key goal is to lift the profile of young people with a disability being able to actively and equally participate in the labour-force and be active citizens. 5.3 Marketing Collateral A range of marketing collateral will be made available to accredited programs including: Electronic version of the generic brochure (including print ready formats) Electronic version of the generic sticker (including print ready formats) Electronic version of the banner (to enable printing and manufacturing at the discretion of each network) Generic powerpoint presentation The Ticket to Work Network can assist with your printing needs (be that provision of EPS formats to use with your own printer or us arranging printing on your behalf), however the costs for printing must be borne by the local network. 5.4 Future Collateral Development Future marketing collateral may be developed by the National Ticket to Work Network and then shared with Local Ticket to Work Program providers. Similarly, Local providers may wish to develop material that can be shared with other providers. In order to reduce costs associated with printing, Local Ticket to Work Programs will have an opportunity to opt in to any print-runs (eg. when ordering print-runs of brochures all other Local Programs will be invited to opt-in to reduce overall printing costs) 6. Program Materials All accredited Local Ticket to Work Programs will receive a Ticket to Work Model Kit containing a variety of sample documents that can be adapted. These documents and program materials include: 1. Branding and marketing collateral and documents: Brochure Sticker Website / newsletter information Media Release Christmas Card for employers Tips and templates for preparing Case Studies and videos 2. Parent and student letters: Information Session invitation letter Acceptance letter and form Non acceptance letter 3. Student Application Form 4. Interview questions and selection criteria 5. Employer documents: Flyer and Business Case Letter to employer regarding a specific student Letter to Ticket to Work partners and their contacts seeking employers 6. Employer Certificate of Appreciation 8

7. Research Report Ticket to Work: A best practice School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship model for students with a disability 8. Surveys (available in hardcopy and electronic Survey Monkey format): Commencement SBAT surveys for students, employers and parents (inc. accompanying letters) Completion SBAT surveys for students, employers and parents (inc. accompanying letters) Partnership Network survey 9. Sample SBAT process 10. Powerpoint presentation NB. More materials may be developed over time and will be disseminated to networks. 7. More information For more information about Ticket to Work and about how to apply to become accredited as a Local Ticket to Work Program, please contact: Name: Michelle Wakeford Position: National Ticket to Work Manager Phone: 03 9584 8845 Mobile: 0413 750 745 Email: michelle@tickettowork.org.au Name: Fiona Waugh Position: BGK LLEN Research, Communications and Partnerships Phone: 03 9584 8845 Email: fiona.waugh@bgkllen.org.au 9

Ticket to Work (Local Program) - Application and Agreement Applicant details Lead applicant organisation Contact person Address State Postcode Phone Email Sector Region your program would operate in Rationale for Ticket to Work Accreditation What do you hope your Local Ticket to Work Program will achieve? Please list the organisations that are currently expressing interest in being part of your Local Ticket to Work Program? Please list the schools that are currently expressing interest in your Local Ticket to Work Program (please indicate if these are mainstream or special schools)? Have your partners agreed that Ticket to Work participants will be students with diagnosed disabilities? 10

Does your organisation / your partners agree to complete monthly Program Report? Does your organisation / your partners agree to participate in qualitative / quantitative research on Ticket to Work? Does your organisation / your partnership agree to payment of the annual accreditation fee (if Ticket to Work National Network is not funded through other means?) Does your organisation / your partnership understand and agree to the Grievance and Dispute Resolution Process? Does your organisation / your partnership agree to attend at least two National Ticket to Work Network meetings annually? Are there any areas of assistance we can provide you with at this time? Do you agree with the Ticket to Work Model Criteria (as set out in the Accreditation Guidelines Handbook )? I understand that submitting this Accreditation Application Form does not necessarily mean that my organisation / our partnership will become an accredited Local Ticket to Work Program. The National Ticket to Work Network will now evaluate your application and may contact you for more information if required. Yes No Name Signed Date Thank you for submitting your Application Form. Please return this completed form (in electronic format) to michelle@tickettowork.org.au or fiona.waugh@bgkllen.org.au 11

Ticket to Work (Local Program) Monthly Program Report Dear Local Ticket to Work Network, This report is designed to capture qualitative information about your program and its stakeholders. At a later date we will be exploring more quantitative information but please feel free to let us know of anything that you would like to share. This report will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Aggregated quantitative information may be utilised for applications (eg. funding, awards) and reporting to our funding body (National Disability Employment Initiative, Department of Social Services) by the National Ticket to Work Network on behalf of all local providers. We look forward to our continuing partnership with you and your stakeholders. Please return this completed form (in electronic format) to michelle@tickettowork.org.au or fiona.waugh@bgkllen.org.au at the end of the month. Please do not hesitate to get in contact if you need any assistance completing this report. Yours sincerely, National Ticket to Work Network Local Ticket to Work Program Lead organisation Contact person Address State Postcode Phone Email Sector Ticket to Work Local Partnership Network Please list Local Ticket to Work Program partners Program partners (and what sectors they represent eg. Disability Employment Service, education)? Number of Local Ticket to Work Program meetings held? Sector represent Students Preparations Number of students that have undertaken work experience/work placement or volunteer placements since October 2013? Number of work place preparation and pathway planning student preparations (eg. work readiness training, travel training etc) since October 2013? 12

Students - ASbAT Number of students that have commenced in an ASbAT since October 2013? Number of students that have completed their ASbAT since October 2013? Number of students that have exited their ASbAT early since October 2013? Employers - Preparation Number of employers that have received disability awareness preparation training or information to support students since October 2013 (eg. information materials, meeting, training session)? Employers - ASbAT Number of ASbAT employers since October 2013 Name of ASbAT Employer (optional) Industry area Small, medium, large (estimate) Schools and Education Providers Number of Special Schools involved? Number of Mainstream Schools involved? Number of other education providers involved (and what type of providers)? Any Comments or Qualitive Outcomes Please provide any comments or suggestions or consider attaching documents, news articles, reports or testimonials related to your program? We thank you for your ongoing involvement in Ticket to Work, and for supporting young people with disabilities to transition into training and employment. We also thank you for taking the time to complete this Report. 13