Award Honours Kalgoorlie Disability Employment Program
Workpower Kalgoorlie, in partnership with the Eastern Goldfields Education Support Centre (EGESC), has been honoured with the National Disability Services (NDS) WA Award for Excellence in Regional and Remote Support. The award recognises outstanding commitment to creating meaningful employment pathways for students with disability in the Goldfields region.
The collaboration was born out of a need to address a significant service gap: the lack of structured pathways for students with disability to move from school into the workforce.
Recognising this, Workpower Kalgoorlie and EGESC joined forces to co-design a solution. Drawing on Workpower's established Job Ready Program, they developed a locally-focused curriculum for students in Years 9-12 at EGESC. The program focuses on equipping students with essential job-seeking skills, workplace confidence, and practical experience. This includes resume writing, informational interviews, job sampling, and learning about professional communication and workplace expectations.
To ensure the program's success and long-term viability in a region with limited local training resources, Workpower initially flew facilitators from Perth to Kalgoorlie. This initiative also focused on mentoring local staff, building capacity within the community to continue delivering these vital services.
The impact of this initiative has been profound. Nine students have already secured work placements and traineeships through the program, supported by EGESC’s Workplace Learning Coordinator, Rosana Dos Santos, and Workpower facilitators. Others have gained valuable hands-on experience by joining Workpower’s supported employment teams in property services and assembly contracts.
Local businesses have enthusiastically embraced the program, providing crucial work experience placements. Partners include Kmart Kalgoorlie, Oasis Recreation Centre, Overland Hotel, Fiesta Canvas, McDonald's Kalgoorlie, Australia Post Kalgoorlie, Café 312, and Goldfields Child Care Centre. Employers have consistently praised the students' enthusiasm, reliability, and strong work ethic.
The success of the program is reflected in the outcomes and personal stories of the students and their families. Isaak’s mother shared, "I never thought Isaak would work...through EGESC and Workpower, he has found a place where he is happy, supported, and belongs. The difference in his confidence is extraordinary."
This award celebrates Workpower Kalgoorlie and EGESC's dedication to bridging the gap between education and employment for young people with disability in the Goldfields.
Congratulations!