What is Mai-Wel Academy?

Mai-Wel Academy supports young people and adults to build skills, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps into employment or further training. Our programs combine real-world experience, job readiness training, and individualised support so participants can discover their strengths and prepare for their next chapter.

At Mai-Wel Academy, participants learn by doing. Through guided work discovery experiences, volunteering, goal setting, and mentoring, we support people explore different industries and build practical skills in a safe, structured and supportive environment.

We work closely with participants and their families, schools, employers, and local partners to support successful transitions from school to adulthood and from learning to employment or suitable post-school options.

Our Programs

Participants can access a variety of practical and customised learning opportunities:

  • RSPCA Hunter Volunteering Program
  • Social Enterprise for Cleaning and Ground Maintenance
  • Recycling programs
  • Hospitality and Catering
  • Thrive Scents
  • Mini Woolies Retail Training

We also support with the following:

  • Access to Registered Training Organisations for Training and Education

  • Job readiness support including resume development, interview skills, travel training, and confidence building
  • Support exploring suitability for a variety of industry and employment opportunities
  • Discovery Taster Program exploring capacity building, suitability, and assessment for working life

Through diverse, hands-on, tailored educational experiences, our supports are tailored to each participants’ interests, goals, and readiness for work or further learning.

We also partner with Mai Wel Enterprises and a number of businesses and employer ambassadors in the Hunter Region to provide training and skill development experiences in a range of industries.

Eligibility

Mai-Wel Academy is open to people with NDIS funding, Inclusive Employment Australia participants, and young people linked with Workforce Australia – Transition to Work (TtW). If you’re using your NDIS plan, supports can be funded through School Leaver Employment Supports, Finding and Keeping a Job, or Core Supports, among others – ask us if you’re unsure!

If you’re not currently eligible for or accessing NDIS funding, that’s okay. We also offer fee-for-service options so anyone who’s ready to build skills, confidence, and a pathway toward employment can still take part.

Mai-Wel Academy is available for people:

  • Students getting ready to transition from school

  • Recent school leavers exploring employment pathways
  • Young adults building routine, confidence, and independence

  • Adults eager to build skills for entering the job market

Still in school but looking to start developing these skills now?

Our Mai-Wel Academy Prep Program is here to support you!

Benefits of Mai-Wel Academy

Our ability to get you ready for the job market is pretty unique! Some benefits of Mai-Wel Academy:

  • Structured, goal-oriented supports
  • A flexible journey based on constant evaluation of your strengths and opportunities for growth – your pathway will be structured uniquely for you
  • Work experience opportunities in-house and out in the community through our vast range of connections with local businesses.

We suggest people engaging Mai-Wel Academy 3 days per week to give you the best possible chance of reaching your employment goals.

Not only can we support you to trial work in different industries across the Hunter, but within Mai-Wel there are several businesses where you can get real-world experience from within our own centre. You’ll be supported, get to be part of the team, all while gaining training and skills before you graduate our program.

When you’re ready to head out and get an award-paying job (open employment) we’ve got you covered. We’ve got trained staff to support you in your job search, connections to local employers, and post-placement support, meaning we’re here for you even after landing the job.

Want to know more?

Our Team are ready to chat you through the ways we can support you to find a job, or recruit a new team member for your business!

Fill in the contact form using the button below, or contact us on (02) 4015 8400 or employmentservices@maiwel.com.au.