Skills based training

& vocational opportunities

A smiling man in a blue polo shirt and apron stands behind a counter in a café kitchen, holding out a cupcake on a small plate. A "What If" poster about Disability Services hangs on the wall behind him, adding warmth to the welcoming space.
A person wearing a wide-brimmed hat, green shirt, and gloves stands outdoors behind a wheelbarrow filled with mulch, near construction and a building—illustrating how Disability Services can guide individuals as their compass for support.

Gaining practical, real-world skills is one of the most rewarding accomplishments a person can achieve.

Alongside learning a wide range of skills across many areas, Compass Trainees also gain knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety, workplace expectations and professional behaviour ensuring they are respected and welcomed in any workplace.

Real life outcomes

Lester doesn’t let his disability get in the way and never has. He always finds a way to overcome any hurdles, is determined and will adapt. I’m proud of everything he’s achieved and the person he has become.

Our dream for Jy is for him to have the absolute best life that he can have, without putting any boundaries on it.

I remember being in hospital, anxiety-ridden, trying to weigh up the pros and cons of where to send Damien. It was my eldest son who had spoken to David (CEO of Compass, which was back then called “Aiki-Abilities”). They were so new then, so we knew nothing about them. But when we spoke to David, we trusted him and his approach…

Caitlin is the first person to dive in and help, especially with larger Compass wide projects. She loves to meet visitors at the farm and share our appreciation with the community for their support. She is a natural promoter and always makes you feel seen and loved.

Dylan now has a busy week working with Compass. He has achieved more confidence and become more adaptable to ever-changing situations. He has connected with his peers and trainers and become quite a happy young man. Working at the Café makes him feel like part of a team. He also feels like he is contributing, like his friends and family, having a job and working towards life goals.

A group of adults, some wearing hats, gather outdoors. One man sits and smiles in the centre as others stand nearby, chatting and laughing—a warm moment at a Compass Disability Services event. Shelves and a partially open building appear in the background.

What if…

you could realise your  potential?

The opportunity to experience a sense of achievement and purpose through work is essential to personal growth and self-esteem.
Compass has sought to provide these vital vocational opportunities through a unique social enterprise model, providing meaningful pathways to employment, while meeting genuine local community needs.

contact us

What if barriers fell?

Skills-based training is offered at Compass in areas as diverse as:

  • Life and social skills – including appropriate conversations, budgeting, time management and travel training
  • Independent living skills – including cleaning, washing, ironing, food preparation and money management
  • Landscaping, Lawn and garden skills – including mowing, whipper snipping, raking and landscaping
  • Mechanical skills – including working safely with a range of small machinery and equipment
  • Animal husbandry – including caring for and raising chooks, sheep, goats and ponies, as well as beekeeping
  • Horticulture – including gardening, planting and raising seedlings, along with harvesting of produce
  • Hospitality – covering a full range of catering and kitchen skills including food shopping, food preparation, food handling, cooking, utilising kitchen equipment and the opportunity to gain real-world, front and back-of-house café experience
  • Retail – covering a wide range of skills across customer service, cash register use, stocktake, display and decorating
  • Woodwork, Metalwork and Laser Cutting skills – including furniture restoration, handcrafted chopping boards, garden art and even contributing to the creation of a famous Compass chicken coop!
  • Pottery and Ceramic skills – including working with clay and decorating each unique item for sale in one of Compass’ boutique retail outlets
  • Multimedia skills – including digital design, animation, video making, photography and podcasting, supported by a skilled team of multimedia experts
A woman with bright red lipstick and rosy cheeks smiles joyfully with her eyes closed, clasping her hands. She wears a black fur stole and a colourful floral headpiece, as if wondering “What If” against a dark, dramatic background.

Become a Trainee

For more information about what’s on offer at Compass, or to chat to someone about beginning your journey with us, please fill out the below details and our team will be in touch really soon.

    What if…

    you could be the difference?