Ready to Apply: an Inclusive Work Placement Pilot

Ready to Apply Project: an Inclusive Work Placement Pilot

The Ready to Apply Project is an inclusive work placement pilot for young people aged 15-24 who experience barriers to employment due to disability, neurodivergence, and/or mental health challenges.

To register your interest in applying please complete our online form.

Project Overview

Young people with disability (YPWD), mental health challenges, and neurodivergence face significant barriers to employment.

In Australia, workforce participation for people with disability is 53.1% compared to 81.8% for people without disability. For YPWD aged 15–24, unemployment is even more stark, with approximately 25% of YPWD unemployed, compared to 7.9% of their peers (AIHW, 2024*).

Early experiences of unemployment can have long-term impacts on confidence, career development, and economic independence.

The Ready to Apply Project responds to this challenge by providing inclusive, supported pathways into employment for YPWD in Perth’s South Metro region.

 

What We Do

The Ready to Apply Project is a 10-week inclusive work placement pilot program that supports up to 40 young people aged 15–24 who experience barriers to employment due to disability, neurodivergence, and/or mental health challenges.

There will be three cohorts running between September 2026 and May 2027, with each cohort having around 12–15 participants.

The program includes:

  • Job readiness training (co-designed with YPWD)
  • 6-week supported work placement with a local business
  • Weekly peer mentoring provided by YDAN’s Youth Consultants
  • Post-placement support to transition post program.

Participants are placed in small to medium businesses across priority sectors, including:

  • Care and support
  • Education
  • Digital technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction.

Working closely with employers, YDAN ensures placements meet the needs of both participants and businesses.

Our Approach

This project builds on YDAN’s proven Unleashed Program, which has:

  • Supported 150+ YPWD through work readiness training
  • Employed and trained 45+ youth consultants
  • Delivered inclusion training and workplace audits to organisations
  • Facilitated employer networking and engagement opportunities.

We create environments where YPWD feel supported, respected, and empowered to succeed – especially in workplaces that have not traditionally been accessible.

Building on the skills, confidence, and work readiness developed through the Unleashed Program, the Ready to Apply Project provides participants with supported work placement opportunities in priority sectors to gain real-world work experience.

Program Outcomes

1. Improved Youth Employment Outcomes

Participants will:

  • Gain practical skills and real work experience
  • Build confidence and readiness for employment
  • Develop positive employment histories and references
  • Reduce risk of long-term unemployment.

2. Industry-Ready Workforce Pipeline

Employers:

  • Access motivated, job-ready YPWD
  • Build confidence in inclusive recruitment practices
  • Strengthen workforce diversity
  • Engage with YDAN’s Inclusive Employment Community of Practice.

3. Increased Job Readiness and Capability

Participants develop:

  • Communication and teamwork skills
  • Time management and reliability
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Understanding of workplace rights and responsibilities.

4. Sustained Engagement in Work or Training

Participants are supported to:

  • Transition into employment, training, or further education
  • Stay engaged with workforce pathways
  • Navigate workplace challenges with confidence.

5. Improved Equity of Access

The program prioritises YPWD who:

  • Are not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
  • Are early school leavers
  • Experience disability, mental health challenges, or neurodivergence (diagnosed or undiagnosed).

We reduce barriers by offering:

  • Flexible, accessible placements
  • Tailored supports
  • Inclusive employer engagement.

How We Work with Employers

YDAN partners with local businesses to:

  • Provide supported work placements
  • Build inclusive workplace practices
  • Increase confidence in employing YPWD.

This creates mutual benefit:

  • YPWD gain experience
  • Businesses gain talent and diversity
  • Communities build stronger local economies.

Project Impact

The Ready to Apply Project supports:

  • Stronger workforce participation
  • Inclusive economic growth
  • Sustainable employment pathways.

By addressing both participant needs and employer capacity, the program creates long-term, meaningful change—not just short-term placements.

Get Involved

We are always looking to connect with:

  • Local businesses – in areas such as care/support, education, manufacturing, construction, and digital technology
  • Community organisations
  • Training providers
  • Employment services.

Contact:
Ready to Apply Project Team
Readytoapply@ydan.com.au

 

*References: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/employment/unemployment

 

Workforce Australia Local Jobs is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

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