Would you like to support an eager young person in your community on their pathway to vocational success?

Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) is on the lookout for interested businesses who are eager to support our Explore participants in their transition to employment, further study or volunteering by hosting a work placement during their Explore semester.

Explore is an Employment Pathway program for HPHH participants who are ready to transition into a vocation of their interest. Designed by experienced trainers and Case Managers, participants learn about a range of topics from goal setting to communicating in the workplace. This program concludes with the opportunity for participants to put their knowledge into practice with hands-on experience through a work placement.

By offering work experience opportunities, your business can help young people gain valuable skills and confidence as they prepare for their future careers. Our team provides full support, including insurance coverage and regular check-ins from a Case Manager, to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for both participants and host businesses.

Hosting a Work Experience Placement

• Each placement is organised based on the participant's interests, skills and abilities, ensuring a suitable fit for both the participant and the host business.

• The duration of a work experience placement is 6 - 10 weeks, requiring a minimum commitment of 3 hours per week from the host business.

• Ongoing support from HPHH: Each participant has a dedicated Case Manager to support their work placement, who will conduct a meet-and-greet with the participant and host business prior to the placement and maintain regular communication to offer support and guidance throughout the experience.

• Placement duties/responsibilities of the participant are established collaboratively between the host business and the Case Manager to ensure they are suitable for the participant and will enable them to succeed. This will be signed off in a workplace agreement. Duties can evolve and be re-negotiated as the participant develops their skills over time and to suit the host business.

• HPHH covers public liability insurance for the participant and the Case Manager during the placement.

• While many of our participants are passionate about animals and aspire to enter the animal care industry, host businesses are not limited to this sector. Our Explore participants possess a wide range of interests and skills, allowing us to match them with various types of businesses.

For more information, download our FAQ sheet.