Chief Minister Katy Gallagher today awarded graduates of the pilot ACT Public Service Administrative Traineeship for People with an Intellectual Disability.

“The traineeship encapsulates the values set out in the Employment Strategy for People with Disability launched earlier this year, and has opened the door to fulfilling employment for nine enthusiastic job seekers,” the Chief Minister said.

“Everyone who has worked alongside the trainees has experienced the advantage of a more diverse workplace, and developed greater insights into what it means for the ACTPS to be a disability confident workplace.”

“Disability confidence is employees being confident in the ACT Public Service’s ability to employ someone with a disability and meeting that employee’s needs.”

“As a Government we are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and removing barriers for people with disability, and I’m grateful to the graduates here today for helping to empower employees with a disability.”

“The trainees have learned from and contributed to their workplace in a variety of ways. And all has flourished as their skills and confidence has grown,” she said.

The Graduates are drawn from across the ACTPS:

• Erin Barnsley completed a traineeship with the Community Services Directorate.
• Shane Haby completed a traineeship with the Economic Development Directorate.
• Patrick Howard completed a traineeship with the Treasury Directorate.
• Ellie Leechman completed a traineeship with the Education and Training Directorate.
• Justin Ray completed a traineeship with the Community Services Directorate.
• Allison Shearn completed a traineeship with the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate.
• Kate Stewart completed a traineeship with the Economic Development Directorate.
• Michelle Stirzaker completed a traineeship with the Territory and Municipal Service Directorate.
• Tina Stott completed a traineeship with the Treasury Directorate.

The 12 month pilot traineeship concludes this month and all nine participants have successfully completed formal training and on-the-job training to be eligible to graduate today.

“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to all the graduates today, for their hard work and determination. I am grateful for the experiences they have brought to the traineeship, and to the ACTPS,” the Chief Minister concluded.

The pilot traineeship has been coordinated by the Chief Minister and Cabinet Directorate, in partnership with the Australian Network on Disability and Registered Training Organisation JCE Positive Outcomes. Trainees were supported by Disability Employment Support staff from Advance Personnel, LEAD, CatholiCare and Job Solve.