Sponsored by Barossa Enterprises
Empowering youth to
create
their own future
We can help with the skills needed to live independently and actively participate in the community.
words chelsea filmer
PHOTOGRAPHY sam kroepsch
Barossa Enterprises, the largest employer for people with disabilities in regional South Australia, continues to provide diverse work opportunities tailored to people’s needs and aspirations in the Barossa region and beyond.
Opportunities include open and supported employment services including support in the open labour market, a Skills Plus program that develops entrepreneurship, and community programs that help individuals live independently and actively participate in the community.
Barossa Enterprises also offers a School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program covered under the NDIS, to help students and recent high school leavers (aged up to 22 years) develop the skills needed to successfully transition from education to the workforce.
“Our SLES program is helping participants develop their confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and work skills,” says Barossa Enterprises Employment Services Manager Barry Sims.
“Six out of 18 participants have secured employment and the remaining are gaining work experience to prepare them for future job opportunities and training.
“ We take a no-wrong-door approach to empower young people to achieve their career aspirations. We see participants grow personally, skillfully, and socially throughout the program,” says Barry.
“We have witnessed participants achieve remarkable success, with some even starting small businesses, and then we guide them through our Skills Plus program to help them create a solid business plan.”
“Barossa Enterprises has supported me in increasing my skills and abilities to help me achieve my goal of independence.”
- Thorn Crowhurst
Thorn Crowhurst commenced work experience in the SLES program over two years ago. As someone living with autism spectrum disorder, Thorn found the program to be incredibly valuable in supporting his transition from high school education into the workforce.
“Barossa Enterprises has supported me in increasing my skills and abilities to help me achieve my goal of independence,” says Thorn.
Barossa Enterprises partners with local schools, offering Year 10 to 12 students with a disability work experience within their Supported Employment Workshop.
Thorn was one of the first students to commence in the program and after just one term, he became a supported employee.
“I started work experience in Year 11 and gained one day a week of paid employment by Year 12,” Thorn said.
“After leaving school, this increased to three days a week. I felt incredibly supported during the program and can see how far I have come.”
Thorn’s skills have continued to strengthen since working packaging Maggie Beer products and now, his meticulous nature and eye for quality has him manufacturing components of timber presentation wine boxes for renowned wineries.
“You have great support at Barossa Enterprises and I feel comfortable asking a Support Mentor for help. Once I feel conf ident, I am left to work independently, but I know they are there if I need them,” says Thorn.
“If you enjoy routine and want to establish a steady work rhythm with great support, reach out to Barossa Enterprises. They can get you on a path to the job you want.”
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27 Samuel Road, Nuriootpa