Industry Collaboration Award

Supported by

ARC Training and Civic Disability Services

Support Employee Program worker in a kitchen

Support Employee Program

ARC Training logo
Civic Disability Services logo
  • Promoting lifelong learning and economic empowerment for individuals with disabilities, the Support Employee Program is transforming lives. Born of a collaboration between Civic Disability Services (Civic) and ARC Training (ARC), the Support Employee Program delivers exemplary training while instilling a sense of agency and dignity in all participants. 

    While opportunities for individuals with disabilities are accessible, the availability of full Certificate III qualifications has been limited. The Support Employee Program Certificate III in Retail was developed to bridge this gap. 

    The Support Employee Program’s holistic approach, encompassing technical competencies and soft skills, provides participants with a comprehensive toolkit for success in their roles and beyond. This newfound proficiency has driven greater confidence and ignited a ripple effect of positivity company-wide, promoting a culture of excellence. 

    Since the Support Employee Program’s inception, three people have successfully completed accredited training, with 23 students currently pursuing qualifications.

    By championing diversity and recognising the immense talent and potential within this often-overlooked demographic, the Support Employee Program is reshaping perceptions and fostering a more inclusive society for all.

Australian Training Company and Dairy NSW

A herd of cows in a paddock

South Coast NSW Youth in Agriculture

Dairy NSW logo
Australian Training Company logo
  • Comprising a partnership between the Australian Training Company (ATC) and Dairy NSW, South Coast NSW Youth in Agriculture empowers any individual to find a career pathway in agriculture.

    Following the 2021 storm and flood events that shook the region, South Coast NSW Youth in Agriculture’s mission was essential – the devastation so great that some primary producers withdrew from agriculture entirely.

    Hoping to build a qualified labour pool and boost the local economy, South Coast NSW Youth in Agriculture sought opportunities for SbATs to pursue agricultural pathways. As momentum gained, stakeholders were requesting the introduction of higher-level qualifications and post-secondary education access, so the Certificate III in Dairy Production was introduced locally, giving all participants job-ready skills to ‘walk on farm’.

    Not only has South Coast NSW Youth in Agriculture removed financial barriers for many jobseekers by providing a range of protective equipment at no cost to participants, it’s challenged perceptions about who can and can’t work in agriculture. South Coast NSW Youth in Agriculture proudly creates an environment for everyone, regardless of their background, to learn and find career fulfillment within the industry.

Peter Warren Automotive and TAFE NSW

A man working on a car engine

The D.R.I.V.E Academy

TAFE NSW logo
Peter Warren Automotive logo
  • Responding to significant skills shortages within the automotive industry, D.R.I.V.E Academy was developed by Peter Warren Automotive in collaboration with TAFE NSW.

    Established in 2020, D.R.I.V.E integrates theoretical learning with practical application. It aligns apprentice training with manufacturer technical training to ensure participants can meet current and future demands, contributing to the sector’s overall growth and development.

    Since its launch, the program has generated over 502 apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities. And, in 2023/24, D.R.I.V.E facilitated the induction of 40 full-time apprentices and three school-based apprentices and trainees, while successfully steering 15 staff to complete their qualifications.

    Steadfast in its mission to boost the automotive industry as a whole, D.R.I.V.E takes a proactive approach to knowledge sharing, leveraging TAFE NSW’s network to connect with like-minded partners, boosting education standards and pushing the industry forward. D.R.I.V.E considers its collaboration strategy adaptable to all industries.