WorkAbility Expo is more than just a job fair. Each event provides a platform for the type of meaningful conversations and connections between job seekers and employers needed to improve the employment outcomes for people with disability.
The first event, held in Brisbane earlier this month alongside the Brisbane Disability Expo, saw a fantastic turnout of 4,000 attendees!
It’s a place where a diverse group of stakeholders come together to build a more inclusive Australia.
The Employer Lounge: A space for connection
One of the key highlights of the Brisbane event was the Employer Lounge, a dedicated space for open and relaxed conversations between job seekers and employers, away from the bustling main exhibition floor.
Tash Murabi, Talent Acquisition Manager at RACQ, found the experience valuable, not only for talent acquisition, but also for engaging with stakeholders and refining internal processes to better support diverse employment.
“We’ve met amazing people from all walks of life. The environment has been really comfortable, allowing people to sit down with us and discuss their employment aspirations. We talked a lot about opportunities within our contact centres and what we can offer from an organisational perspective. We will be taking back some learnings to the office around flexibility and shift patterns,” she said.
Learning and growth
The impact of WorkAbility Expo goes beyond immediate job placements. It provides a space for learning and growth for all attendees.
John Badwater, a sole trader consultant, drew on his lived experience of disability to connect with and support other job seekers. He described the event as “invaluable,” adding that he could relate to the experiences of many attendees and offer advice and support in navigating workplace challenges.
“It didn’t take long for the true value of the WorkAbility Expo to become apparent. I met several people with disabilities from various backgrounds and experiences. Many were motivated to work and were seeking information after finding they were ineligible for NDIS, DSP, or DES assistance.”
“Through my own lived experience of disability and workplace challenges, I could relate to their experiences and provided information and suggestions for achieving their employment and career goals, which were well received,” John said.
The majority of attendees surveyed left the event with more knowledge about employment options and support services available to them, with over 60% of those being able to meet with mainstream employers.
Workshops and community
Attendees found the event empowering and informative. Workshops covering topics like funding, reasonable workplace adjustments, and employment readiness sparked some enthusiastic participation.
Beyond practical advice, the Expo fostered a sense of community and belonging. Attendees shared their positive experiences, emphasising the value of making connections, feeling accepted, and celebrating individual abilities.
Paralympian and Disability Advocate Ellie Cole said it best, perfectly capturing the essence of the WorkAbility Expo’s mission:
“When we employ somebody with a disability, it sends a really powerful statement about the communities that we want to create and sends a real statement about what our culture looks like within Australia as well.”
The success of the first WorkAbility Expo serves as a powerful testament to the growing movement towards inclusive employment in Australia. We encourage all employers to consider participating in future WorkAbility Expos, which are held in various locations across Australia. You can connect with a diverse talent pool, gain valuable insights, and contribute to building a more inclusive Australia.
Want to get involved in WorkAbility Expo?
Reach out to our team today and let’s work together to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential in the workplace. Learn more.