Getting StartedGetting StartedWilling and Able Mentoring (WAM) Program
What is WAM?
The WAM Program was established through a collaboration between Deakin University and the University of Melbourne in 2000. WAM is now available across Australia for any job seeker or tertiary student who has a disability dependent on funding support. In 2006 tertiary students in Victoria, particularly TAFE students, can access a free WAM Program thanks to the funding support of the Victorian Office of Training and Employment; and the Disability Coordination Officer in Sydney, Tim Hart, is supporting the WAM Program for tertiary students who have a disability in the Sydney area. Enquiries for a WAM Program are welcome from people in other localities as well, including rural areas, but these programs would be subject to finding appropriate funding or other support.
The WAM Program was successfully piloted for general job seekers who have a disability in 2005 with support from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and is now available for job seekers who have a disability on a fee for service basis through their Job Network or Disability Open Employment Service
Why Have It? The premise underlying the WAM Program is that people who have a disability, despite being as talented as their peers, are often overlooked in the fierce competition for career opportunities due to negative self-concepts, community stereotypes and general negative beliefs or assumptions about their ability. WAM has the potential to reduce those negative beliefs, and enhance personal/professional strategies (eg. networking skills) to assist people who have a disability become more competitive in that challenging transition from study to career.
Other benefits, which may flow from the WAM concept, include more general positive cultural compliance and development in the workplace and clarification of essential requirements of job roles in the workplace. How To Apply
Simply download the WAM Application Form, complete, and return it preferably online to [email protected].
Download the WAM Application Form Below:
In short, applicants must be available for a training workshop, the six to eight mentor sessions at the mentor's workplace, and a debriefing and certificate presentation event at the end of the program.
The WAM Program has now been documented and analysed as the focus of PHD research by the WAM Program Coordinator, Kevin Murfitt. A steering committee including Disability Liaison Officers and Careers Counsellors also guides the development of WAM.
Many other organisations are also giving their support to WAM in addition to the mentor organisations including:
Mentor organisations who have participated so far include:
Feedback and Evaluations
The feedback and evaluations from Mentors and Mentees has been overwhelmingly positive. The following examples of responses from the students typify the feedback:
"This program was a great help to me, not only to give me a better understanding [of my field] but as my mentor had a similar physical disability to me, she made me realise that my own experience will be the way to gauge whether I can do everything required [in my chosen field]. I definitely feel more focused and have clear ideas about my goals now."
And another: "Based on my experience with the program I would like to see everything done to continue the funding. Finding a job these days is difficult enough without having a disability, this type of program therefore is extremely useful."
The Mentors' evaluations have been similarly positive with most agreeing that they had benefitted from the program as well, and all saying they would be involved in future programs:
"I found this program beneficial to my understanding of the barriers that confront disabled persons. [The student] was great to work with and I'm sure his positive outlook will enable him to succeed in his chosen career." And finally: "I would like to congratulate you and your team for putting together a most worthwhile program, and I look forward to being involved in future programs that may be suitable for our organisation."
Further Information
For further information about WAM, please contact:
Kevin Murfitt Disclosure: It's a Personal Decision
Choosing Your Path. Disclosure: It's a Personal Decision is a free online resource which has been developed for students and employees with disabilities and also for employers, educators and support services. Disability Employment Action Centre (DEAC)
The Disability Employment Action Centre (DEAC), is a Melbourne-based, not-for-profit organisation founded in 1984 to represent people with a disability. Part of DEAC's work is to represent graduates with a disability who are looking for work. The JobAble Website
This resource is an initiative of the Australian federal government, which designed it to help not only Job Network staff, but also employers of job-seekers with a disability negotiate the unique circumstances surrounding their job-seeking activities. |
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