Our Learning for Life, Family Support Manager, Elizabeth, works with families and children transitioning into adulthood. She shares her advice and knowledge on helping teens finding employment.
For teenagers, entering the workforce can be a valuable learning experience that extends beyond earning money. It offers an opportunity to develop essential life skills, build a sense of responsibility, gain insights into potential career paths, develop financial literacy, instill a work ethic and help develop interpersonal skills, responsibility and independence.
The Raising Children website has some fantastic guidance and suggestions here
What if my teen is autistic or living with a disability?
Supporting autistic teenagers, or those living with disabilities, in finding employment requires a tailored approach that addresses their unique needs and preferences. Here's how work can benefit them and ways to support their job search journey.
- Identify Strengths and Accommodations: Start by discussing your teen's strengths and any accommodations they might need. This will guide the job search towards roles that align with their abilities and require appropriate accommodations.
- Research Inclusive Employers: Look for employers known for their inclusive practices and support for employees with disabilities. Companies with a strong diversity and inclusion focus may offer better resources and understanding.
- Leverage Vocational Services: Utilise vocational services that specialise in assisting individuals with disabilities or autism. These services can help with job placement, training, and accommodations.
- Create a Transition Plan: Develop a plan for transitioning into the workforce, including job training, interview preparation, and understanding workplace expectations. This plan can help ease the adjustment process.
- Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach your teenager to advocate for their needs in the workplace. This includes requesting accommodations, discussing work preferences, and knowing their rights under disability laws.
- Practice Social Skills and Communication: Help your teenager practice social skills and communication techniques that can be applied in the workplace. Role-playing interview scenarios and workplace interactions can be beneficial.
- Provide Emotional Support: Encourage your teenager throughout the job search process and during employment. Offer reassurance and be ready to help navigate any challenges that arise.
- Monitor Work-Life Balance: Ensure your teenager maintains a healthy balance between work and personal life. Be attentive to signs of stress or burnout and adjust schedules if needed.
- The Raising Children network explores this topic here.
- The NDIS Developing a Pathway to Work is for people with autism, people with an intellectual disability and people with a psychosocial disability.
- The NDIS Moving from School to Work guide has information for secondary school students thinking about work after they finish school.
