The Purple Hands Foundation and uLaunch, powered by AKG, recently collaborated to launch the 'Get Up and Goal' program, an initiative program that aims to empower young people with disabilities by helping them prepare for meaningful employment.
The co-design process harnessed the strengths of both organisations, with the Purple Hands Foundation’s experience in youth engagement and uLaunch’s expertise in disability employment services, ensuring the program is both innovative and tailored to meet the unique needs of young people with disabilities.
Teachers also provided valuable input during the development process, ensuring that the program aligns with the academic and developmental goals of students.
Get Up and Goal offers a structured pathway to career readiness, with an emphasis on building confidence and overcoming barriers.
Cherise Riccardo, Program Manager at Purple Hands Foundation, emphasised the significance of the collaboration.
"Working closely with uLaunch has allowed us to create a program that not only prepares young people for the workforce but also equips them with the tools they need to thrive in their personal lives," Riccardo said.
“It's about more than just job readiness; it's about building confidence and providing a support network that these young people can rely on as they step into their futures.
"By offering the program in schools, it provides participants with a familiar, supportive environment where they can grow both personally and professionally.”
The 10-session program is designed for young individuals in years 10, 11 and 12 and blends hands-on learning with real-world application. The sessions target key areas like career exploration, resume building, interview techniques, and mindfulness for stress management.
A highlight of the program is its industry engagement, where students can participate in virtual career safaris and hands-on industry experiences, all aimed at preparing them for the workforce.
Analysis found that the pilot program was highly regarded, with participants expressing an 84% satisfaction rate. The program notably helped young people improve in several key areas, including; resume writing, job application skills and confidence in starting a job.
The program culminates in a graduation celebration, where participants' achievements are recognised, marking the progress they've made toward fulfilling their career aspirations.
For teachers, the Get Up and Goal program represents an opportunity to support their students’ personal and professional development in a meaningful, structured way that integrates seamlessly into the school curriculum while offering valuable, real-world experiences.
Teacher feedback from the pilot program highlighted a significant increase in student engagement, with teachers noticing students enthusiastically discussing the program in other classes.
Teachers were amazed at the progress these students made, as they actively engaged in ways that they hadn't before in the classroom. One teacher remarked that students were notably more engaged in this program compared to other programs, highlighting its positive impact.
As Mark Burns, Country Manager and MD of AKG, explains “The 'Get Up and Goal' program stands as a pivotal initiative, providing essential pathways to employment for those facing distinctive challenges.
"By emphasising choice and delivering a co-deigned program, we are not simply preparing these young people for employment; we are empowering them to realise their full potential.
"Looking ahead, we are excited to grow this program, expanding its reach to more schools and partners, seizing new opportunities for growth to further enhance the impact we make."
The Purple Hands Foundation, together with uLaunch, powered by AKG, are committed to creating opportunities for young people facing challenging circumstances, and the Get Up and Goal program represents a significant step towards building a more inclusive and supportive society.
