The third in a series of Disability Workplace Readiness events was hosted at Ithembelihle LSEN School in Primrose to prepare learners for life beyond school.

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The event was hosted on August 18 where industry experts shared their experiences at the workplace.

Massmart, as the corporate partner, guided the audience on opportunities that await future applicants looking to work at this retail and wholesale group.

Chris Buchanan from Disability Connect, said people living with disabilities have an important role to play to make a positive contribution in the workplace.

“Disability Connect is the leading portal for corporates not only looking for information about work-related issues, but to connect with entrepreneurs, SMEs and graduates within the disabled community,” he said.

“We have a disability career expo once a year. Learners get to learn about workplace opportunities available once they leave school. We partner with corporates and find schools with grades until grade 12.”

The readiness workshops teach learners how to draft a good CV, conduct themselves at an interview and more.

“It is important for us to drive these programmes because 90% per cent of disabled learners leaving school are unemployed,” said Buchanan.

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Leonor Ngozi, the school principal said they have been part of the programme for two conservative years and as it forms part of their learners’ exit plan programmes.

“We call on more companies to come on board to ensure that the disabled are prepared and empowered to be in a workplace environment,” said Ngozi.

“While the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities may be widely acknowledged, demystifying, and highlighting the largely marginalised disability sector, as well as the sourcing and accessing of relevant skills within this sector remains a challenge.

“An event like the Disability Workplace Readiness Roadshow, with its support from corporate South Africa, opens doors, reduces obstacles and exposes learners to an array of opportunities,” she said.