From the classroom into real workplaces
Learning about work is important. Experiencing a genuine workplace can change what a young person believes is possible.
Fairhaven operates real businesses serving real customers across the Central Coast. This gives students supported opportunities to experience workplace routines, expectations and teamwork in environments including:
- Fairhaven CoPack – production, packaging, warehousing and quality processes
- Fairhaven Op Shopping Village – retail, customer service and stock presentation
- Fare Cravin’ Café – hospitality, food service and teamwork
- Green Pathways Nursery – horticulture, plant care and outdoor work
- Mainstream host employers – based on each student’s goals, interests and readiness
Real tasks. Real teams. Real workplace expectations.
Support tailored to the individual.
Choose Your Pathway
One student. Different possibilities.
Every student’s pathway is different. Some may progress toward mainstream employment. Others may benefit from supported employment, further training or more time to build their confidence and capability.
Fairhaven’s Choose Your Pathway approach starts with the individual—not a predetermined destination.
A genuine workplace journey
How the pathway works
5 stage journey
1. Discover
We get to know the student’s interests, strengths, goals and support needs.
2. Explore
The student experiences different work environments and learns what types of tasks and workplaces suit them.
3. Build
They develop practical skills through supported, hands-on activity and individual coaching.
4. Experience
They apply those skills through genuine workplace experience at Fairhaven or with a mainstream host employer.
5. Progress
Together, we plan the next step: mainstream employment, supported employment, further training or continued capacity building.
How Fairhaven supports schools
Practical support for your students and transition team
School groups
- Workplace tours and industry discovery days
- Job-readiness workshops
- Introduction to different roles and industries
- Teacher and transition-team information sessions
- Parent and carer information sessions
Individual students
- Workplace discovery and trial days
- Individual goal and pathway planning
- Supported work experience
- Workplace communication and teamwork
- Resume, interview and job-search skills
- Travel and workplace independence
Families and transition teams
- Information about post-school employment pathways
- Guidance on SLES and relevant NDIS supports
- Collaborative transition planning
- Progress updates and agreed employment goals
- Support to identify the most appropriate next step
Free entry offer
See the difference real work can make
Schools can introduce students to Fairhaven through a free initial experience.
- Workplace Discovery Day: A guided visit to selected Fairhaven workplaces
- School Information Session: A presentation for students, families or staff
- Transition Pathway Discussion: A conversation about suitable post-school options
- Work-Readiness Workshop: A practical introductory session delivered at the school
A trusted Central Coast employment pathway
Fairhaven has been creating opportunities for people with disability on the Central Coast since 1962.
- Since 1962 – supporting people with disability
- 100+ supported employees
- Mainstream and supported employment pathways
- Central Coast based
