A group of students with autism have gained valuable employability skills thanks to a partnership between TAFE NSW and disability service provider Northcott.

The 13 young people from the St George local community completed a Statement of Attainment in Retail Customer Service to help them secure jobs in the retail, services and hospitality industries.

Joshua Debono, Coordinator at Northcott said the Vocational Skills service provides school leavers with disability the opportunity to develop independence and confidence in gaining employment in their chosen career.

“We are proud to be partnering with TAFE NSW to support our customers to realise their potential and develop employability skills,” Joshua said.

“COVID-19 has presented challenges for everyone this year, so we congratulate our customers for showing great self-determination and commitment to complete the course successfully.”

“TAFE NSW swiftly adapted to the disruption of COVID-19 by transitioning the course to web-conferencing technology, so our students were able to continue their studies and come out the other side job-ready.”

Northcott customer and Ramsgate local Sarah Bergh said she enjoyed learning from TAFE NSW teachers and will take away important foundation skills that she can use throughout her career.

“I learnt the fundamentals of customer service in a workplace including expressions, confidence, hygiene, and teamwork,” Sarah said.

“I am now pursuing further study at TAFE NSW in a floristry course to further my confidence and hopefully secure a job I will enjoy in the future.”

Northcott is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit disability service providers and has been operating in New South Wales and the ACT for more than ninety years.

To learn how TAFE NSW can customise training to meet your business needs visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 13 16 01.

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW R/Media and Communications Business Partner, 0408 006 866, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au