Public Service Traineeship launched for People with Intellectual Disability

Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten today welcomed the launch of the first public service traineeship program for people with intellectual disability.

The Australian Public Service Traineeship Program begins today and will see five people with intellectual disability working for 18 months on general administration tasks at the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) in Canberra.

‘The FaHCSIA Traineeship program is the first of its kind in the Australian Public Service, and is an important step in making sure people with intellectual disability have the same employment opportunities as everyone else,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘The participants’ enthusiasm and commitment will be a positive contribution to the work of the Department.’

Trainees will be working in a supportive and structured environment whilst gaining qualifications in Business Administration.

Mr Shorten said that each trainee would be assigned to a particular program area within the Department and each would have a personal mentor.

‘Work is an important part of life. It gives us a sense of belonging and contributing to the broader community,’ Mr Shorten said.

‘People with disability have the same right to the benefits of work as the rest of the community, and are able to make a contribution to organisations willing to hire them.’

Ms Macklin and Mr Shorten wished the trainees good luck and said they looked forward to hearing about their experiences.

This program was developed in response to the Australian Public Service Commission’s call to increase the employment of people with disability in the Australian Public Service.