Teens Work Know-How Program
Transition to Work Know-How Program

Early Participant Application for 2025-26

Join Our Teens Work Know-How Program: Your Opportunity to Shine

Are you or someone you know a student, and ready to be supported in taking the next step towards transitioning from School into the Workforce? We’re thrilled to invite you to express your early interest in our Teens Work Know-How Program, running in 2025. This expression of interest page will remain open from now until 2026! This will allow us to showcase community need.

This early application will help us in proactively managing our program to ensure its the best it can be for all, and in our grant applications and advocacy work. Your early efforts are supporting us to keep this program funded, and our community supported. 

Please review the timetable for 2025 below before registering to ensure you can commit to this program!

Why This Program Matters

Our Teens Work Know-How Program is more than just a series of workshops—it’s a community-driven initiative designed to empower neurodiverse teens with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workplace. Here’s why this program is crucial:

• Empowering Futures: We provide the tools and support to help neurodiverse teens navigate the professional world with confidence. This program is tailored to highlight and harness their unique strengths. 
  
  
• Building Stronger Communities: By focusing on individual abilities and fostering an inclusive environment, we are building a community where everyone can contribute and succeed.  Jacob, our Program Manager, knows firsthand, "a lot of learning for our cohort is helping them cut through the jargon, explaining the first principles, the Why behind the actions taken, and being able to understand and mentor their curiosity".
  
  
• Advocating for Change: Your involvement helps us collect valuable data that showcases the impact and ROI of neurodiverse talent, how educators and employers can best support, harness and train your talents, and helping all parties understand how the spectrum may speak in a place of work. 
  
  This evidence is critical for securing future funding and expanding our reach and services to community, and more importantly, employers are businesses, this helps us showcase with tangible data, supported by our industry stakeholders, the long-term results of employing our community. The earlier our cohort understand themselves, their place on the spectrum, only then can they support, or be supported
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the Teens Work Know-How Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Must be within the legal working age of 15- 18 by the time the program round starts.
• School Enrollment: Must be enrolled in secondary school or through the Home Schooling Network (HEN).
• Commitment: Must be able to meet the scheduled requirements of the program.
• School Support: Must have the school’s knowledge and signature for work experience placement to be included as part of the participant's school VET (Vocational Education and Training) learning.

How Your Participation Makes a Difference

1. Early Access: By expressing your interest now, you’ll be prioritized for onboarding in our final round of the current grant extension in 2025.
2. Future Notifications: You’ll be among the first to hear about additional funding and new programs from 2025-2026 if we receive further funding.
3. Program Development: Your early application helps us understand community needs and develop diverse program options, including school curriculum integration, holiday programs, and/ or online courses.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Our program isn’t just about skills; it’s about changing lives. Here is a story from our Team that highlight the social value of our work:

• Community Voices: One of our participants, "Emma", shared how the program helped her build confidence in a way that traditional approaches in school didn’t. She learned to speak to her unique strengths to feel more confident in job interviews and the transition process, understanding that what made her a leader in her basket ball team, and her love for sport, is why she is fit for the role; not because of her Resume. This participant then went off to work in a sports store at DFO.
  
  Another student, "Samantha" also suffered from stress related/undiagnosed tics, something that Jacob, due to his Tourette Syndrome understood the self consciousness of. Both of them, not being around many other "Tickers" connected, this report, this shared understanding, allowed for Sam to take of the mask, to transition from the timid shy girl who came in, feeling like her ticks would make her unable to achieve her goals, to one of the stand out students in our cohort. This preconceived mindset was brought to a halt; when she saw someone, doing exactly what she felted would never be possible. That reprograming of her believes, through seeing it with their own eyes, and being understood, was shared to be more impactful then any information, and a deeply impactful moment for both, and our program so far.  
  

Our ILC Commitment

Since 2019, supported by an ILC grant, we’ve faced challenges but remain dedicated to our mission; to deliver the Teens Work Know-How Program.

Despite the hurdles, including those from COVID-19, we’ve persevered, and pivoted through these challenges with the support of our community and stakeholders.
We continued to focus on leading by example, employing more lived experience team members, and exceeding past outcomes. 

Your participation is key to our success. It allows us to:

• Showcase Unique Talents: Highlight the skills and abilities of neurodiverse teens.
• Secure Essential Funding: Use collected data to advocate for extended or new grants.
• Expand Our Offerings: Create more programs tailored to various needs and preferences.

Express Your Interest

Ready to make a difference? Fill out the EOI Form to express your interest in the Teens Work Know-How Program. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a program that is changing lives and making a real impact.

Together, We Can Create a Brighter Future

Thank you for considering joining us. Your involvement will help us build a more inclusive and supportive community for neurodiverse teens.

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AV - Empowering and connecting Neurodiverse Individuals for 33 Year!

AV Privacy Policy

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Adults Group: November

- in person meeting

About the Adults Group

Our Adults Group is for older members of the Aspergers autistic community and those with other similar neurodivergent profiles. It is more suitable for those who are aged 35 years and over, although younger adults are welcome to join in. (Young adults may prefer to attend our Young Adults group meetings as well as or instead of this group.)

This month, we will be talking about: Getting Through the Festive Season

The Adults Group is a parent/carer free zone - we ask that parents / carers of attendees join our separate Parents & Carers Group instead.

(Autistic adults who are also parents or carers are most welcome to attend independently of the person they care for.)

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for a volunteer Group Assistant to support our Group Leader and help to run the group. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

About our Group Leaders

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $10 for AV members, $15 for non-members, FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and for first-time attendees

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for groups and events, members-only programs, and to support the work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact Jack.

Venue information

• Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue, Ashwood, 3145
• Power Neighbourhood House website
• Power Neighbourhood House on Google Maps
• Public transport: Holmesglen Station (700m). 624 bus (stops outside). On-street parking.
• Accessibility: Ramp access at front and rear, accessible bathroom.

Anyone wanting to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10. Please note that first-time attendee tickets must be requested before the meeting and are not available at the door.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• Community Guide: How to register for an AV activity, view details of an existing registration, or cancel a registration
  

• Community Guide: How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)
  

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.
  

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

If you have further questions about the event, about AV, or need assistance with registering, please contact our AV admin team.

• Call 0480 385 710 or email us.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday Tuesday and Thursday.

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Young Adults Group: November

- in person meeting

About the Young Adults Group

Our Young Adults Group is a great place for Aspergers, autistic and other similar neurodivergent profile adults aged 18 years - 35 years (approx.) to meet, chat, and play games with no social pressure. As this is a parent/carer-free zone, we invite any parents or carers to attend our separate Parents & Carers group.

This activity is likely to be fully booked with a waiting list. We're very much looking forward to seeing everyone, however if something comes up and you can no longer attend, please make sure you cancel your registration so someone else can attend.

About our Group Leaders

The session is facilitated by the Young Adults Group team:

• Matthew - YA Group Leader
• Lyndel - Young Adults Co-Facilitator
• Cal, Brooklyn, Tim, Todd, Corey - YA Mentors

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community. If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.

Venue Information NEW LOCATION

Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre - 34 Amaroo Street Chadstone, VIC, 3148

Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre Website
Amaroo Neighbourhood Centre on Google Maps

Public transport: Holmesglen Station (1.3km). 623 & 767 bus (350m) . There is a parking lot and on-street parking.

Accessibility: Ramp access at front and rear, accessible bathroom.

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity

• How to make a payment for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to view your registration details or cancel a registration

• Attending COVIDSafe in-person activities at AV. Please read before registering or attending.

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity. 

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Teens Group: November - in person meeting 

About our Group

Our Teens group is for teens with Aspergers, autistic teens, and those with a similar neurodivergent profile to meet and hang out to play games or chat while their parents / carers meet in another room at the same venue to chat, provide support and share ideas and advice.

• Teens will be supervised by our Teens Mentors.
• In another room at the same venue, parents will be met by our Parents Contact to chat and exchange experiences.

The Teens Team:

• Callan T, Callan B, Sunny - Volunteer Mentors

• Simone: Parent Contact

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for volunteers aged 18 and older to help out as Teens Mentors so we can continue to run in-person activities. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV volunteers have a Working with Children Check.

Each teen must be accompanied by one parent or carer.

A parent or carer must attend with their teen and must remain on site for the duration of the activity.

We understand that another parent or family member may wish to join the activity, however we can only accommodate one adult per registered teen, and we are unable to accommodate additional adults on the night.

Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members, FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.

Venue Information

Power Neighbourhood House - 54 Power Avenue, Ashwood, 3145

Power Neighbourhood House website

Power Neighbourhood House on Google Maps

Public transport: Holmesglen Station (700m). 624 bus (stops outside). On-street parking.

Accessibility: Ramp access at front and rear, accessible bathroom.

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered. First-time attendee tickets must be requested at least 24 hours before the meeting. 

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

How to register

- In the first section, enter the details of the teen attending.

- In the second section, enter the details of the parent / carer / support worker who will be attending with the teen.

Parents & Carers Group: December

- online meeting

About the Parents & Carers Group

This is an online peer support meeting open to all parents and carers (including autistic parents / carers) of Aspergers / autistic children, teens and adults to meet, chat, exchange ideas and find support.

About our Group Leaders

Our Parents & Carers Group Leaders are Toni, Jenny, and Sue.

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check.

Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members. FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For online events, you will need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link / Discord link. First-time attendee tickets must be requested at least 24 hours before the meeting.

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration 

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide(includes details of in-Zoom features)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity start time and for the first hour of the activity.

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions

Women & Non-Binary Folk Group: December

- online meeting

The topic for this session will be: Emotional Regulation & Self-regulation

About our Group

Our Women & Non-Binary Folk Group is a great place to connect with other Aspergers autistic women (cis and trans) and non-binary folk to chat about your experiences, share ideas, exchange advice, and support each other. You are also welcome to attend our Adults Group, Rainbow Spectrum Group, or our Young Adults Group, or all of them!

This session is facilitated by our Women & NB Group Leader.

All AV volunteer group leaders are peers of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV group leaders have a Working with Children Check. 

Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members. FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and for first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for activities, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team do for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For online events, you will need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link.

First-time attendee tickets must be requested at least 24 hours before the meeting. Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity, view registration details, or cancel a registration

• How to pay for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)

• How to access an AV Zoom Activity (includes tips on Zoom etiquette)

• AV Zoom Guide (includes details of in-Zoom features)

• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.

• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.

• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity.

• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event T&Cs

Teens Group: December- in person meeting (Pancake Parlour)

About our Group

Our Teens group is for teens with Aspergers, autistic teens, and those with a similar neurodivergent profile to meet and hang out to play games or chat while their parents / carers meet in another room at the same venue to chat, provide support and share ideas and advice.

• Teens will be supervised by our Teens Mentors.

The Teens Team:

• Callan T, Callan B, Sunny - Volunteer Mentors

• Simone: Parent Contact

Volunteers needed

We’re looking for volunteers aged 18 and older to help out as Teens Mentors so we can continue to run in-person activities. If you’re interested, please complete our online volunteer application or contact AV admin for more information.

All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees. All AV volunteers have a Working with Children Check.

Each teen must be accompanied by one parent or carer.

A parent or carer must attend with their teen and must remain on site for the duration of the activity.

We understand that another parent or family member may wish to join the activity, however our booking can only accommodate one adult per registered teen, and we are unable to accommodate additional adults on the night.

Important information

All attendees will be required to pay for their food online via the QR codes on the tables. 

Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members, FREE for +Groups membership holders and first-time attendees.

Community Guide: About our free* first-time attendee ticket

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the work our AV team does for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team.

Venue

Pancake Parlour - 682 Warrigal Rd, Malvern East

Pancake Parlour website

Pancake Parlour menu online

Pancake Parlour - Malvern East in Google Maps

Transport: Buses 623, 624, 767 903 stops approx. 250m. On-site undercover parking.

Accessibility: accessible parking, ramp access, accessible toilet.

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For in-person events, this allows us to ensure that we have enough volunteers attending on the night to support the group, and to ensure that the venue can safely accommodate all attendees.

In the event that the activity is cancelled or transferred to an online meeting, we will only be able to let you know if you have registered. First-time attendee tickets must be requested at least 24 hours before the meeting. 

NB: Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

How to register

- In the first section, enter the details of the teen attending.

- In the second section, enter the details of the parent / carer / support worker who will be attending with the teen.

Partners Group: December - online meeting

About our Partners Group

Join our Partners Peer Support Group to meet other adults who are in a relationship with someone who has Aspergers, is autistic, or has a similar neurodivergent profile. Sharing experiences within the safe environment of our peer support meetings can be a lifeline, and sharing with people who have similar lived experience is validating and often educational. Your partner may be self-diagnosed or have a formal diagnosis, and you may share a household or live separately. We are an inclusive group and welcome partners of all genders and relationship types.

This session is facilitated by our Partners Group Leaders. All AV volunteer group leaders share the lived experience of their group participants and welcome new attendees.

Cost: $5 for AV members, $10 for non-members.

Registration is FREE for holders of a +Groups Membership and for first-time attendees. How to access a free first-time attendee ticket for regular peer support groups.

Become an AV member today to access discounted tickets for groups and events, members-only programs and interest groups, and to support the wonderful work our volunteers and staff team do for our community.

If cost is a barrier, please contact our AV admin team. 

Anyone wishing to attend an AV activity must register before attending.

For online events, you will need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link / Discord link.

Unregistered attendees may incur an admin fee of up to $10.

Community Guides (step by step information to support our community)

• How to register for an AV activity
• How to make a payment for an AV activity registration (includes details for PayPal, credit card, and bank transfer options)
• How to view your registration details or cancel a registration
• How to access an AV Zoom Activity(includes tips on Zoom etiquette)
• AV Zoom Guide(includes details of in-Zoom features)
• Peer Support Groups - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (includes answers to the most common questions about AV peer support groups).

For assistance or more information

• Call 0480 385 710 or email our AV admin team.
• The AV phone is switched on from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.
• Tech and admin support for after-hours activities is available by phone call only for an hour before the activity and for the first hour of the activity.
• Please note that our email inbox is not monitored outside business hours.

AV Privacy Policy

AV Event Terms & Conditions