The University of Ballarat SMB campus provides a broad range of programs and services for people with a disability. Youth@bility spoke to Sheilagh Kentish, co-ordinator of the Certificate 1 in Work Education course, which is part of the Adult Learning Program.

SMB work education students discussing problems in the workplace

The programmes run by SMB are aimed at people of all ages who may require special learning needs.

The programs include, Certificates in General Education for Adults, VCE, as well as a range of pre-employment and life skills courses. The Certificate 1 in Work Education course is designed so that people who have a disability or have learning restrictions can develop their communication skills, teamwork, personal management, career planning and workplace education; therefore providing them with valuable life opportunities and career paths.

Sheilagh said students work in a supportive environment at a level suited to their own needs. Extra assistance can be provided, such as one-on-one tuition; Assessment can also be adapted to suit individual needs and abilities. At the start of the course there is a week of orientation to meet the people involved, find out where everything is, the expectations and course requirements.

Students at the University of Ballarat, SMB campus are from places such as schools, work, or just people looking to improve their chances for the future and build on skills already learned. Sheilagh believes that the goals of her program are to assist a disabled student to build their self-confidence, interpersonal skills, communication, teamwork and to make job connections.

Sheilagh's advice for disabled people looking to further their education, is to start feeling good about yourself, look at the strengths that you have, find a good mentor who can give you encouragement, to find connections that can get you to where you want to go in life, to get out and build on your skills, train and gain as much experience as possible. Sheilagh's final word of advice was "Keep a realistic goal in mind and do not waver from it."

Naomi Whitefield
Youth@bility Reporter