As Australia’s only disability service based at a university campus, Lifeskills is uniquely placed to collaborate with a multitude of departments and organisations based at La Trobe, to deliver exceptional experiences to NDIS participants.
“La Trobe is very proud that Lifeskills have chosen us as their home for more than 25 years. The Lifeskills team and their participants contribute to the richness of the La Trobe community and they are an outstanding partner.”
Professor Jessica Vanderlelie, Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic)
La Trobe is a proud partner of Latrobe Lifeskills and together are changing the lives of people with disability, right here on our Bendigo and Bundoora campuses.
Martin Chua, Latrobe Lifeskills Managing Director & CEO says, “Our 26-year long relationship between Latrobe Lifeskills and La Trobe University has flourished. The direct involvement by Professor Jessica Vanderlelie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), enabled our teams to connect directly and further enhance experiences for LTU Students and Lifeskills participants. It goes without saying that being the first and sole Australian university to home a Registered Disability Service Provider as long-term residents and an industry partner sends a strong message of inclusivity, equity, diversity, and willingness to accept and promote community services.”
Lifeskills follows a person-centric model whereby both individual and group-based community support services are available that includes employment, integration into learning environments, personal activities, travel support, building life skills and community participation.
Currently 85 participants get to enjoy a range of experiences that include being part of a supportive community to foster connection, friendship and enhanced wellbeing, as well as capacity-building and daily life skill opportunities. These include the option to undertake formal certificate qualifications and daily life activities such as cooking, gardening, fitness, travel training, volunteer work, building interpersonal skills, supporting independence and so much more.
On campus, Latrobe Lifeskills participants have taken part in volunteer work during university exams and graduations, group gardening at Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, paid casual employment and partnering with students on placement within Allied Health, Art Therapy and Health Sciences, just to name a few highlights.
The benefits don’t end there as participants are also able to access La Trobe’s diverse facilities at both Bendigo and Bundoora campuses including computer labs, sports centre, classrooms and media hub.
Latrobe Lifeskills is a great supporter of jobs on campus; with 15% of the Lifeskills workforce comprised of La Trobe students.
How you can apply to work for Lifeskills
If you are a La Trobe student who is interested in working with Lifeskills, apply to work at Bundoora or Bendigo by submitting your resume and cover letter to info@lifeskills.vic.edu.au. Alternatively, you can keep an eye on Seek for Lifeskills job advertisements.
Students studying Allied Health or Health Science may find this most valuable, however, the team may consider students from any study area or tertiary level.
Lifeskills looks for people who are mature, hold a positive attitude and are interested in helping people with an intellectual disability achieve their goals.
Get ahead with valuable pre-graduate experience in the disability support space!
Check out their Careers webpage for more information.
More information about Lifeskills
Latrobe Lifeskills began in 1998 at La Trobe Bundoora campus, initially offering education to people with Acquired Brain Injuries. Since then, Lifeskills has grown significantly and has expanded to La Trobe’s Bendigo campus whilst also operating at Bundoora campus and has supported over 400 participants and their families.
Latrobe Lifeskills is a registered training organisation and NDIS provider. The organisation delivers both accredited training and a variety of group-based activities and one-one-one support to people 18 years and over with an intellectual disability.
Lifeskills has recently formed partnerships with Dogs 4 Life in Bendigo with participants assisting with the socialisation training of assistance and therapy dogs. Alongside this, Lifeskills is part of a successful pilot program for a state-wide Disability Police Academy to break down barriers and fear of law enforcement by educating police officers about disability and offering participants immersive experiences in a range of departments.
Lifeskills has also partnered with Ivanhoe Grammar School that provides year 9 students community engagement experience with Lifeskills participants and opportunities to learn about the disability sector, NDIS and future careers within this area of work.
Lifeskills’ focus is to build independence, confidence and self-worth by creating engaging activities to help each participant achieve their goals.
“I like coming to Lifeskills because I enjoy doing activities and hanging around friends. Being on the uni campus is good because I like the Agora and I have gotten to know people at the cafes.”
Vasi (participant)
How to apply to become a Lifeskills Participant
Are you a NDIS participant who is interested in joining the program? Either you or your representative may contact Lifeskills using the details below:
- Submit an online contact form
- Phone: 03 9479 1474
- Email: info@lifeskills.vic.edu.au