Onemda Header Onemda Header

NEWS

Lend-A-Hand participants excel in building skills and confidence

Post Created: 23 September 2024

At Onemda, your employment journey starts here with us. A recent example of this is the 'Lend-A-Hand' initiative, part of Onemda’s "Pathways to Independence and Employment" (PIE) program. This program provides participants the opportunity to engage in hands-on work experience and develop skills that prepare them for the workforce.

John a participant at the Glenroy PIE Campus, expressed his interest in gaining real-world experience with the Onemda Maintenance Team, John’s wish was quickly made a reality. Within weeks, John was offered the opportunity to work alongside the maintenance crew once a fortnight. Under the guidance of Dale and Brad, John has embraced tasks such as gardening and general maintenance across Onemda’s northern campuses. From learning how to use a ride-on mower to mastering various tools, John has shown incredible growth in his skills.

John shared that working with Dale and Brad has been a fulfilling experience, stating that he looks forward to Wednesdays with the team and comes fully prepared in his work attire. His passion for hands-on work has been clear, and his confidence has soared as he takes on new challenges and responsibilities. More than just excelling in his duties, John has also taken on a mentoring role, encouraging fellow participants to explore their interests in the program.

The success of the 'Lend-A-Hand' program goes beyond just skill development. By voicing his desire to participate in the maintenance work, John now feels validated and valued—a key pillar of Onemda’s participant-centric approach. According to Dale, John is demonstrating a strong work ethic and enthusiasm and is a great addition to the team.

Educator Shelly, who oversees the 'Lend-A-Hand' program, is immensely proud of John and the other participants for their hard work and dedication.

With the program’s success, there are plans to expand the 'Lend-A-Hand' initiative from fortnightly to weekly in 2025, allowing more participants the chance to gain valuable work experience.

Onemda’s Pathways to Independence and Employment programs offer a wealth of opportunities. If you or a family member is ready to build essential job skills and prepare for greater independence, speak to an Onemda team member today to learn how we can support your journey!