Canberra Work Readiness Program - Term 3, 2026
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026 – Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026
Associated costs are only available to registered Canberra & Monaro participants. If you believe this is an error, please contact us for assistance. If you have not registered yet, please register here.
The Johnny H Work Readiness Program supports young people with disability to build the practical skills, confidence and experience needed to move from school into employment. Sometimes known as School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES), the program helps participants explore their work interests, understand workplace expectations and prepare for a job that suits their goals and abilities.
Through structured learning, practical activities and workplace experiences, participants can develop skills in communication, teamwork, following instructions, time management, workplace safety, travel, job searching and preparing for interviews. The program also supports broader independence and helps participants understand what employers expect in the workplace. These areas align with the types of employment-related supports recognised by the NDIS.
Flexible Attendance Options
There are different ways to access the Johnny H Work Readiness Program, depending on your goals, preferred level of attendance and the funding available in your NDIS plan.
Participants with School Leaver Employment Supports funding can enrol for three days each week, with enrolments completed each semester. Over the full two-year course, participants can work through a broad range of subjects designed to prepare them for entering and maintaining employment.
Participants may also choose to attend up to five days each week for a more intensive learning pathway. This may involve using SLES funding at a faster rate or accessing the additional days through other suitable Core or Capacity Building funding included in their NDIS plan.
Those without specific SLES funding may still be able to access the program through suitable employment-related Capacity Building or Core supports. Funding arrangements will depend on the participant’s individual plan, goals and available budgets.
Explore the Program
Subjects and activities vary by region, semester and weekday. Select your region below, then choose the relevant semester and day to view the subjects being delivered, learn more about each session and make a booking.
The NDIS price covers the cost of support only for the duration indicated and will be arranged through a Schedule of Supports.
The Non-Face-to-Face cost covers work that happens outside the direct support session such as content development, reviews and reporting.
The NDIS pricing indicated is an estimate and will be confirmed once the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2026-27 has been released.
Johnny H is a registered NDIS provider and can accept booking requests from those whose NDIS funds are Self, Plan or Agency Managed.
Bookings can be made at any time during the term.
Participants can bring their own lunch or enjoy a meal prepared in-house for a small fee which covers the cost of morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and drinks, all prepared fresh each day. Lactose and gluten free options are available – you may indicated your dietary needs when booking.
For those who bring their own meals, please be aware that we are a nut-free centre – for the health and safety of all participants, please avoid bringing foods that contain nuts.
Johnny H Shuttles are not offered for this program. If transport is required, please speak to the regional manager directly.
Please refer to our Cancellation Policy prior to booking.
Skills for Work & Teamwork
Morning – Skills for Work
Start the week by developing the practical skills and behaviours that employers value most. You’ll explore the foundations of employability and gain a better understanding of how your personal strengths can contribute to success in the workplace.
Through discussions and activities, you’ll focus on:
- Employability skills
- Goal setting
- Personal skills and strengths
- Professionalism
- Following instructions
- Communication with colleagues and customers
These sessions help you understand what employers are looking for and how to present yourself as a capable and reliable employee.
Afternoon – Teamwork
In the afternoon, explore the importance of working effectively with others. Most workplaces rely on strong teamwork, communication and cooperation, making these essential skills for employment success.
Topics include:
- Collaboration
- Working with diverse people
- Supporting team members
- Sharing responsibilities
- Giving and receiving feedback
Through practical activities, you’ll build confidence in contributing to group tasks, supporting others and working towards shared goals.
Benefits & Outcomes:
- Develop key employability skills valued by employers
- Build confidence in workplace communication
- Learn to identify and apply personal strengths
- Strengthen teamwork and collaboration skills
- Improve ability to give and receive feedback constructively
Work Experience & Skills for Work
Morning – Lids for Kids Work Experience
Gain hands-on experience through participation in the Lids for Kids Australia recycling program. Lids for Kids operates a community recycling and education centre that provides opportunities for social inclusion while contributing to a meaningful environmental initiative.
Participants will assist with recycling activities and experience the expectations of a real workplace environment. Through practical volunteering, you’ll build confidence, develop work-related skills and gain valuable experience that can support future employment pathways.
The program also provides opportunities to interact with others, follow workplace processes and contribute to a project that benefits the wider community.
Afternoon – Skills for Work
In the afternoon, continue building the practical skills required for employment. Activities focus on strengthening your understanding of what employers look for and how to apply these skills in real workplace situations.
Topics include:
- Employability skills
- Goal setting
- Personal skills and strengths
- Professionalism
- Following instructions
- Communication with colleagues and customers
These sessions help connect your work experience activities to the broader skills needed for future employment.
Benefits & Outcomes:
- Gain practical work experience in a community setting
- Build confidence through meaningful volunteering activities
- Develop employability skills in a real-world environment
- Strengthen communication, professionalism and workplace behaviour
- Understand how personal strengths can contribute to employment opportunities
Me as an Employee & Resilience & Mindset
Morning – Me as an Employee
Continue exploring the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to success at work. You’ll strengthen your understanding of workplace expectations while building confidence in decision-making, independence and personal responsibility.
Topics include:
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Making decisions
- Integrity, ethics and honesty
- Risk
- Self-advocacy and independence
- Motivation
Activities encourage reflection, problem-solving and personal growth.
Afternoon – Resilience & Mindset
Finish the week by developing the resilience needed to navigate challenges in work and everyday life. You’ll explore strategies for managing setbacks, adapting to change and maintaining a positive mindset.
Topics include:
- Handling rejection
- Stress management
- Emotional regulation
- Persistence and perseverance
- Adaptability to change
These sessions help build confidence, resilience and the ability to respond positively when things don’t go to plan.
Benefits & Outcomes:
- Develop resilience when facing challenges and setbacks
- Learn strategies to manage stress and emotions
- Build confidence in decision-making and independence
- Strengthen persistence and adaptability
- Develop a positive mindset for work and life
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