Work Trials are used to achieve a return to work for clients who are not able to return to their original workplace. A large proportion of DVA clients are ex ADF members who have been medically discharged, and therefore unable to continue their role within the ADF.
A work trial is a valuable opportunity for a person participating in a rehabilitation program to:
gain a recent civilian work history and referees;
update existing skills;
gain new skills;
test out their capacity for work;
become more competitive in the job seeking process;
gain confidence in themselves and their abilities; and
form social relationships and expanded support networks.
For the host employer a work trial facilitates:
the benefit of an appropriately skilled worker whose wages are paid by the Repatriation Commission;
increased productivity; and
assessing the worker's ability to undertake employment with the employer should a position become available, whilst assisting the worker with their rehabilitation.