What is Customised Employment?
Customised Employment is an innovative approach to helping people find meaningful work that aligns with their skills, interests, and passions. Unlike traditional employment services, Customised Employment puts the individual at the centre of the process, acknowledging that they are already job-ready—the challenge is finding the right job that suits them.
The Customised Employment process involves a mentor working closely with an individual to identify potential career paths based on their unique strengths and interests. This personalised approach differs from conventional employment services by focusing on the person’s capabilities rather than trying to fit them into existing job openings. Through Customised Employment, individuals guide their own journey, with support from mentors who help navigate the process.
Customised Employment typically unfolds in stages:
– Stage One is the discovery phase which involves identifying broad themes and exploring the persons ideal employment skills, interests, and passions
– Stage Two deepens this exploration through practical experiences
– Stage Three focuses on job development and ongoing career support
A Customised Employment Success Story
Lucas was introduced to Customised Employment during his final years at high school through Intelife and in 2021 began his journey toward meaningful employment.
During Stage One, Lucas and Intelife Skills Trainer Gerry, explored his interests and abilities, eventually identifying three broad vocational themes: The Army, an apprenticeship, and history. To investigate these possibilities, Lucas attended an Australian Defence Force expo in Perth, met with a TAFE career advisor, and participated in guided museum tours. Interviews with business owners in these industries were also arranged, though COVID restrictions presented challenges, particularly for Army opportunities that would require interstate travel.
As the exploration with Gerry continued, two additional themes emerged: Lucas’s desire to help people through customer-focused work and his passion for fitness and working out at the gym. These interests gradually converged, pointing toward a promising career direction.
Following further consultation with a TAFE career advisor and meetings with a personal trainer, Lucas decided to pursue becoming a gym instructor. In 2022 he successfully completed his Certificate III in Fitness and after taking some time off to travel, Lucas secured a part-time paid position at a gym, working one day per week. This practical experience proved invaluable when he resumed his studies for a Certificate IV in Fitness.
Lucas is currently in Stage Three of the Customised Employment process—job development and ongoing career support. His journey continues as he aspires to further his education and potentially manage or own his own gym someday.
The Value of Customised Employment
The Customised Employment process requires patience and cannot be rushed. Success depends on maintaining an open mind and having supportive people around. The individual must be willing to try different roles and work experiences. Throughout this journey, a skills trainer provides support at key moments in the person’s career development, whether on a fortnightly, monthly, or as-needed basis.
Lucas’s experience demonstrates how Customised Employment can help people with disability find fulfilling work aligned with their passions. By uncovering and following his interests, Lucas has secured employment that provides happiness, fulfillment, and purpose.
This approach need not be limited to the disability sector. After all, wouldn’t most people want to find their true purpose in life? Who needs motivation to get up in the morning and go to work doing something they love?
Contact us to learn more about how Intelife can support you.
