12 March, 2008

Endeavour Foundation Latch-On Graduate to Commence Government Position

Endeavour Foundation’s Latch-On program has scored another success with the placement of 2007 graduate Jordan Dale with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation.

Latch-On is a literacy and technology program for young adults with an intellectual disability and has been operated by Endeavour Foundation in Brisbane since 2004 with great success. A number of other Latch-On students, besides Jordan, have been able to access supported and open employment placements while participating in the program.

Latch-On is unique in that it delivers literacy and numeracy classes which combine traditional teaching styles and technology instruction. It also delivers training on health and fitness. A qualified teacher delivers the program which has been designed and packaged so that Endeavour can offer it to many more young Queenslanders with an intellectual disability.

Latch-On is a joint initiative from Endeavour Foundation and The University of Queensland.

Department of Local Government Director for Funding and Infrastructure branch, Bill Gilmore, said Jordan commenced his three-month contract, working half a day each week in an administration capacity with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation in mid-February.

Jordan has completed the Core Program for Latch-On at The University of Queensland as well as an Extension program with Endeavour. He now attends Endeavour’s CLUE program two days each week.

CLUE is a program which incorporates literacy, communication, work skills, computers, physical activity and creativity.

Endeavour Foundation CEO, Mr Kelvin Spiller, said that Jordan is one of a number of Latch-On students to be offered paid work; others include David Waldie who is working at law firm Blake Dawson and Emma White who enjoys working one day per week at the Department of Natural Resources and Water.

“Endeavour’s Latch-On students have gained enormous personal and social benefits from the program,” said Mr Spiller.

“Their entry into paid work in the corporate sector has not only opened up new opportunities, but has afforded the students a greater degree of independence and personal satisfaction.”

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