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YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

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HISTORY

NDIS Employment Support for Young People

Ready to build confidence, learn real-world skills and take your next step towards work?
BCR Communities’ Youth Employment Assistance program (formerly School Leaver Employment Supports – SLES) is designed for young people with an NDIS plan who want practical support to move towards employment, independence and a future that feels right for them. Whether you’re still at school, have recently finished, or are figuring out your next step, we’ll meet you where you are and support you to move forward.

Real work experience in real workplaces

What makes Youth Employment Assistance at BCR Communities different is the way you learn. Instead of sitting in a classroom, you gain hands-on experience in genuine community workplace settings, including:

A young male BCR support worker standing outside next to a young man with a wheelbarrow

If you like being outdoors, the Lawn & Garden Social Enterprise gets you moving. Working side by side with a supportive crew, you will learn practical skills such as gardening, lawn mowing, home maintenance, tool use and workplace safety, while also building teamwork and routine.

BCR Lawn and Garden Social Enterprise Crew
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At the Collective Café, you can build confidence and learn real hospitality skills in a supportive, training café. You’ll have the chance to prepare food, serve customers and work as part of a team, all while learning at your own pace. It’s a friendly space where you can grow your skills, meet new people and feel proud of what you achieve.

BCR Work, Life & Training (WLT)
a young woman holding a pair of shoes standing in front of the BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop sign

Our BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop gives you hands-on experience in a real retail environment. You will greet customers, organise stock, create displays and learn how a shop really runs. It’s a fun, social space where you can build confidence, try new things and be part of a team that makes a difference in the community.

BCR 2nd Chance Op Shop
a male BCR support worker standing next to young woman holding a drill in the BCR woodworking studio

In the Carpentry Workshop, you roll up your sleeves and get building. You will learn practical trade skills like measuring, using tools, cutting, sanding and more, by working on real projects. It’s hands-on, focused and incredibly satisfying, especially when you step back and see what you’ve made!

BCR Carpentry Workshop
 
A young man sitting in front a drum kit

The Creative Arts Studios are a creative, hands-on space where you can explore art, music and making. You can paint, create with clay using our on-site kiln, or step into the recording studio to make music and learn about sound production. It’s a welcoming environment where creativity builds confidence, connection and fun.

BCR Creative Arts Studio
 
a young man sitting in front of radio studio equipment

At 92.7FM Community Radio, you get to turn up the volume and have your voice heard. Learn to present live shows, make a podcast, interview guests, choose music and more. It’s creative, exciting and a fantastic way to build communication skills, confidence and connection with the wider community.

BCR 92.7FM Community Radio Station

These are real workplaces where you can try new things, build job skills and discover what you enjoy, in a safe and supportive environment.

Work experience beyond BCR

We don’t just offer work experience within BCR. We also work with local partner businesses to create opportunities beyond our organisation. Through our strong community connections, we match you with safe, supportive workplaces that align with your interests, strengths and goals. This gives you the chance to try different industries, build confidence in new environments and gain experience that feels relevant to the kind of work you’d like to do in the future - all with ongoing guidance and support from our team.

a young man and a female Bunnings employee holding plants and wearing the Bunnings uniform

Brayden's First Step into the World of Work

 

Every career journey starts with a first step. For Brayden, that step came on a Wednesday morning in August, when he proudly walked into Bunnings Bellambi to begin his very first work experience - excited, nervous and ready to learn.

Support built around your goals

Our Youth Employment Assistance program is flexible, practical and personally tailored to you. Your support can include:

  • Building communication, teamwork and workplace skills

  • Learning everyday life skills and routines

  • Exploring different jobs and industries

  • Gaining confidence through community participation

  • Identifying your strengths, interests and career goals

  • Step-by-step support to prepare for open or supported employment

We work at your pace, adapting supports as you grow and your goals change.

Ready to get started?

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

If you’re a young person with an NDIS plan looking for employment support, independence or new opportunities, we’re here to help. 

Contact BCR Communities today to learn more about Youth Employment Assistance and how we can support your pathway to work.

Why choose BCR Communities?

As a local not-for-profit with strong community partnerships, we offer opportunities that many providers can’t. You learn by actually doing, in welcoming environments, supported by a team that genuinely cares about your success.
Our point of difference is simple: real workplaces, real experience, real confidence.

Frequently asked questions

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Contact BCR today to find out more about our Youth Employment Assistance

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