Autism Valued · A spectrum of possibilities
Teens WorkKnow-How ProgramA strengths-based introduction to the world of work for autistic and neurodivergent teens — real workplaces, real coaching, real confidence. 2027 Expressions of Interest now open
Round 1 · Term 1
2027 ProgramJanuary – April 2027
Round 2 · Term 3
2027 ProgramJuly – October 2027
About the ProgramTWKHP is an ILC-funded initiative supporting autistic and neurodivergent teens through a staged, strength-based introduction to work. It's not therapy and it's not about fixing deficits — it's about building on what each teen can already do, with real work experience in genuinely inclusive workplaces. Job Readiness WorkshopsCovering the key topics teens need to feel prepared for the workforce. Job Coaching SessionsOne-on-one strengths assessments and guidance from experienced coaches. Supported Work PlacementHost employers are briefed and supported by AV throughout the placement. Self-UnderstandingBuilt on connection with a lived-experience Project Manager and team. Workshop HighlightsAcross the program, participants take part in a mix of online and in-person workshops, including: Resume WritingTwo-part online workshop building a resume from the ground up. Interview SkillsIn-person workshop covering practice interviews and interview confidence. Teamwork & Workplace EtiquetteIn-person workshop plus a CliftonStrengths assessment session. Mental Resilience & Growth MindsetOnline workshops supporting confidence going into work experience. 1
A Completed ResumeEvery participant leaves with a completed, updated resume, supported through our resume and interview skills workshops facilitated by Kristy Abbott, Talent Attraction & Optimisation Manager at Coles Group. 2
CliftonStrengths Top 5 ReportParticipants complete the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Report and receive a copy of StrengthsFinder 2.0 to take with them. 3
Certificate of CompletionA Certificate of Completion, signed by Jacob Alan Kness, is issued to every participant at the end of the program. Our Past & Present Host EmployersPast and present participants have completed supported work placements with a growing list of inclusive employers, including: NAB
ACMI
Melbourne City Library
enable
ANZ Bank
CSL (Commonwealth Serum Laboratories)
Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries
CSIRO
Host employer participation can vary each round and is confirmed to students during the Meet & Greet stage of the program.
"My son had a wonderful experience at ANZ Docklands last week under Aspergers Victoria's Teens Work Know-How Program. It has opened up my child's eyes as to what is possible beyond school. My child mentioned he learnt more on Day One than in 8 years of school!" — Parent of a participating teenWho Can ApplyOpen to autistic teens
Individuals with ASD who need and want work experience. Aged 15–18
Working-aged secondary students. Enrolled in secondary education
Independently educated students welcome via Home Education Network registration. AV membership
Current membership, or willingness to join during the program. Independent participation
Able to take part without a parent, carer, or support worker present. Not at school, in the Home Education Network, or over 18?Our Job Seeker Network covers many of the same skills — job readiness, resume building, interview practice and confidence — for autistic and neurodivergent people who aren't current secondary students, aren't registered with the Home Education Network, or are aged 18 and over. Please note: the Job Seeker Network does not include a work experience placement. Meet the TeamTWKHP is led day-to-day by: JK
Jacob Alan KnessEmployment Programs Manager
Manager of TWKHP and lead contact for schools, host employers, and program enquiries. Oversees all employment programs delivery and innovation. Book a Meet & GreetThese sessions are for students who have already submitted an Expression of Interest, and are for meeting students directly. For any general questions, please email Zahra. Booking availability opens from January 2027, in line with the program timetable. We recommend registering your Expression of Interest and pre-booking your slot early — or come back to this page to book once availability opens. ZA
Zahra AumeerallyEmployment Programs Coordinator
Coordinates day-to-day program delivery, participant support, and host employer placements — including resources, events, and administration. Zahra is your first point of contact, and will bring Jacob into the conversation by email or call wherever and whenever needed. Alternatively, you're welcome to email Jacob directly using the email at the bottom of this page. Email ZahraLed by Lived ExperienceTWKHP is co-designed and delivered by people with genuine lived experience of neurodivergence — not as an add-on, but as the foundation of how the program works. We approach autism through the social model of disability: the barriers autistic teens face are largely created by environments, systems and attitudes not built with them in mind — not by deficits within the individual. Our job is to help reshape those environments, starting with the world of work.
Jacob brings lived experience as a person diagnosed with Asperger's, ADHD, and Tourette Syndrome, and draws on this directly in shaping the program's strengths-based approach.
Zahra's lived experience comes from her brother and father, giving her a deep, family-grounded understanding of the program's participants and their families.
Get InvolvedTeachers & SchoolsRefer a student or partner with TWKHP as a school or VET provider. Book a Meeting with Jacob School FlyerParentsThink your teen's school should know about TWKHP? Nominate your school. Nominate Your SchoolBecome a Host EmployerOffer a supported work placement and experience the contribution autistic and neurodivergent teens bring to your workplace. Learn More Host Employer FlyerResources & DownloadsEverything you need to share, print, or pass along. 2027 Program FlyerThe full TWKHP 2027 flyer, covering Round 1 and Round 2 — great for sharing with schools and families. Download Flyer2027 TimetableThe detailed working timetable for both rounds, plus an Easy Read version. Download TimetableBecome a Host EmployerLooking to host a student? Visit our dedicated page for organisations, including the Host Employer flyer. Visit Host Employer Page |
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