Nate Spiers, a 19-year-old from Echuca, has successfully transitioned from school to work life through Vivid's Employment Pathway program.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
A 19-year-old Echuca resident is carving out his career path through a specialised employment support program, showcasing the successful transition from school to work life.
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Nate Spiers, a 2024 graduate of St Joseph’s College Echuca, has seamlessly entered the workforce through Vivid’s Employment Pathway program, which incorporates the NDIS-funded School Leavers Employment Supports initiative.
During his schooling, Nate earned recognition for his commitment to managing recycling bins, a role that enabled him to connect with the school community.
This was a job he enjoyed as it meant stopping in to greet students and teachers in other classes across the campus.
A well-loved and valued member of the school, Nate’s enthusiasm for staying active, connected, and part of a community led him and his family to transition into Vivid’s Employment Pathways Program and to continue to build on those strengths.
Partnerships like these, between Vivid and schools like St Joseph’s College, are key to ensuring our young participants are well supported as they move from the familiarity of their school environment into young adulthood.
At his current position with Woolworths Echuca West, Nate handles box collection across departments and operates the box crusher.
“It is hard to decide which part I enjoy more, pushing the button on the box crusher, or moving around the store, interacting with teammates and customers,” Nate said.
The collaboration between Vivid and Woolworths has opened doors for young people with disabilities to build essential workplace skills.
Nate’s time at Woolworths is a shining example of what’s possible when businesses partner with support organisations like Vivid, which has strong community connections and a commitment to success for young school leavers living with a disability.
Outside of work, Nate leads an energetic lifestyle, engaging in basketball, tennis, swimming, gym workouts and golf.
He cherishes time with his family, including his beloved pets Gilbert, his dog and Paw Over, his cat, while maintaining social connections through sports and video gaming at Vivid.
The positive outcomes of the program highlight how young people living with disabilities can flourish when given targeted support in their transition from education to employment.
If you know a young person who would be interested in exploring SLES or the Employment Pathways program contact Vivid on (03) 5480 661 or email info@wearevivd.org.au
Nate’s story exemplifies the positive impact of targeted support programs in helping young individuals with disabilities thrive in the transition from education to employment.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
For more information on all the opportunities Vivid offers people with disability go to wearevivid.org.au
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