Skills and Inclusion

How can your business get involved?

The Canberra Business Chamber’s Skills & Inclusion Program aims to change the employment landscape for People with Disability. At its core, the Program’s initiative is all about fostering inclusivity and breaking down attitudinal barriers in the workplace.

Our program offers a dual benefit: it empowers People with Disability by providing them with equal opportunities for employment, and equips businesses with the tools and support needed to create a truly inclusive workplace.

We understand that one of the biggest hurdles for employers is often the lack of confidence in hiring, supporting and retaining employees with disability. That’s why our program focusses on building that confidence through education, training and ongoing support.

Through partnering with likeminded organisations, we provide workshops, webinars and one-to-one consulting to assist businesses with the knowledge and resources needed to create accessible work environments, implement inclusive policies, and adapt job roles to accommodate diverse needs.

If your business would like to contribute to a more equitable society, whilst gaining access to a talented pool of individuals whose unique perspectives and experiences can assist you in driving your business forward please get in touch by contacting the Program Manager, Cheryl Pollard on 6247 4199.

Together, let’s challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and create a future where everyone has an opportunity to thrive in the workplace!

Upcoming Events

In addition to connecting businesses and People with Disability, other activities are:

Pathways to Employment Program – This initiative aims to create a supportive and sustainable employment pathway for students with disability, empowering them with confidence and essential skills to enter the workforce. The goal is for participants to be employed as a school-based apprentice or trainee with a local business providing the opportunity for students to combine part-time work and training with their senior secondary education (see separate flyer for more details).

Disability and Inclusion Plans (DAIP) Webinar Series – This initiative will deliver three modules to build awareness of what disability, access and inclusion is, as well as how to develop a DAIP and why they are beneficial for the workplace. The modules will be held 12 – 1.30pm on:

  • 10 July Module 1 – Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusion
  • 31 July Module 2 – A Guide to Developing a Disability Action and Inclusion Plan
  • 14 August Module 3 – Employing People with Disability

Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce Panel Events – The aim of this initiative is for attendees to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of employing a Person with Disability by listening to a Panel of industry experts on why there are beneficial outcomes for the employer and employee with disability and steps needed to make it a reality.  The events will be held on:

  • 23 May, 7.30 – 9am                 Pavilion on Northbourne Hotel (event at capacity)
  • 18 July, 5.30 – 7pm                  Queensland University of Queensland Campus
  • 11 September, 7.30 – 9am     Pavilion on Northbourne Hotel

Podcast Series – Recorded monthly and hosted by Greg Harford, CEO, who discusses diverse disability related employment topics. Podcasts now available on our website or Spotify:

  • Inclusivity of Neurodivergent People in the Workplace with Jonathan Laloz, Author and CEO of Self Plus Plus
  • Employing People Living with Disability with Cain Beckett, former Assistant Secretary in the APS and Partner with Deloitte

Other Podcasts scheduled for 2024 include a discussion with Jan Kruger – ED of Imagine More – on Customised Employment and Finding the Right Person for the Job; Brigatta Norton – Co-Chair OZeWAI – on Merits of Ensuring Website Accessibilty; Maricel Giorgioni – Chief People Officer, Aspen Medical – on Why it is Helpful to have a Disability Action Plan, How to Create and Instill the Plan within the Workplace Culture; and many more.

Watch for more upcoming events at www.canberrabusiness.com/events/

Interested in the program? Get in touch today