Work Experience Program

A structured program for students with disability as a pathway to employment

Getting a head start

Westcare’s Work Experience Program offers meaningful, structured placements in real workplaces for students with disability.

It provides an opportunity to explore employment pathways and develop work-readiness skills in a supported environment.

We offer placements at two locations: Bassendean and Nedlands.

Students will participate in a range of hands-on tasks tailored to their ability, with a focus on independence, responsibility, and teamwork.

Contact Our Team
Image of a man smiling at the camera while working in the Box division at Westcare Incorporated

Learning outcomes

Students will:

  • Experience real work tasks and expectations
  • Improve communication, problem-solving, and social interaction
  • Build confidence, independence, and responsibility
  • Develop essential pre-employment skills in a supported setting
Image of two young supported employees with disability at Westcare Incorporated
Image of a pair of hands. Supported employee with disability folding cards at Westcare Incorporated

The role of Education Assistants (EAs)

  • Support students as they learn new tasks and safety protocols
  • Liaise with Westcare staff on progress and needs
  • Maintain responsibility for student conduct on-site
  • Encourage independence by stepping back for Term 3–4 graduating students, enabling them to: Respond directly to workplace instructions, Navigate tasks independently, and Build real-world readiness

Work areas

Students have the opportunity to gain skills across various work streams and industries run by Westcare: 

  • Industrial Packaging
  • Food packaging
  • Print production
  • Mailstream
  • Box
Image of Westcare's Work Experience program brochure.

NDIS and Supported Employment

Westcare is a registered NDIS provider, and work experience placements align with the NDIS Core Supports budget under supports in employment.

We currently offer personalised one-on-one support to assist with a variety of daily activities. This includes help with shopping, attending social events, and managing appointments. Morning support is available to help you prepare for your day, including self-care reminders and breakfast. After work, our team can assist you in unwinding, debriefing about your day, and settling in for the evening.

We encourage all long-term residents to engage in meaningful daily activities during working hours, such as employment or volunteering. This helps foster personal growth, maintain independence, and build financial and life skills.

Please note that applications for our services, as well as their continuation, are subject to review and approval by the Village Manager of Accommodation Services, the General Manager of Disability Support, and representatives of Westcare. This ensures we can continue providing high-quality and appropriate support for all our residents.

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A minimum 1:6 staff-to-participant ratio

Ensuring students receive consistent supervision, guidance, and individualised support throughout their placement.

Support for work tasks, social interaction, and independence

Helping students build practical workplace skills, confidence, and positive communication in a real‑world setting.

Independence of personal care and meal self-management during breaks

Encouraging students to practise age‑appropriate independence while being supported in a safe and inclusive environment.

Contact Our Team
A side view of the main office building, showing the Westcare Accommodation Services sign mounted on a brick wall, surrounded by plants and a tidy garden.
A close-up of a brass plaque mounted on a blue wall, reading “Dr Dick Porter Units – A joint venture between Westcare Incorporated and the Department of Housing and Works, opened on 3 June 2004 by His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson, Governor of Western Australia.”
A row of residential units with grey tiled roofs and blue gables surrounded by trees and greenery at Westcare's Accommodation Village.
The main office of The Village accommodation, featuring a brick building with a blue door, a sign reading “Office,” and a Westcare Accommodation Services sign with the address and contact number.
A residential building within The Village accommodation, with yellow brick walls, blue gables, and neatly trimmed trees and shrubs in a landscaped front yard.
An outdoor communal area at The Village, featuring a shaded patio with tables and chairs, framed by tree trunks and a grassy foreground.