Extraordinary retail opportunities for people with a disability

A year ago Cosmos Inc. approached MEGT to develop training programs tailored to the learning needs of people with intellectual disabilities.  MEGT Institute secured funding from Skills Tasmania to tailor training delivery and resources for Certificate II in Retail.  The pilot, ‘Skills Potential Project,’ commenced in November 2009 with 5 students.

‘Traditional classroom-based/text book teaching for retail qualifications doesn’t suit everyone,’ explains Nicole Gayewski, State Manager of MEGT Institute in Tasmania. ‘What is required for people with an intellectual disability is a ‘hands on’, interactive, supported approach to education.’

The program, developed in partnership with Cosmos Inc, delivers the Certificate II in Retail qualification in an interactive format, utilising short classroom-based sessions focussed on interactive, repetitive learning.  This learning is reinforced through regular work placements to provide the opportunity to practice the learnt skills.  As part of this partnership Cosmos delivered Disability Awareness training to MEGT staff.

‘We believe this format will provide students with the greatest opportunity to achieve the qualification and progress to employment and/or further education.  But for those who may not achieve employment immediately following the completion of the certificate, the increase in confidence will provide many more options than are currently available.’

The “Skills Potential Project” will be completed in October 2010 and to date all students have attended work placements and undergone on the job assessment.

Feedback from the students has been enthusiastic, eliciting comments such as “I am really loving this course”; “Excellent day”;  “It will be sad when it is finished”.   Amy Boud said “I like all of the workshops and I am still learning heaps”.  Martin Leeson commented “Top day.  Not long now (until work placement).  My life has changed so much doing this course”.

‘The students are highly motivated and on track to achieve their Certificate II in Retail qualification and are already planning their graduation party!’

MEGT (Australia) Ltd supports an inclusive workplace where employee difference, such as gender, age, culture, disability and lifestyle choice are valued.