Skill Development & Training Program

Day: Wednesday
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: NDIThrive Farm
NDIS Line Item: Capacity Building – Skill Development and Training
Catering: Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea included

​

Program Overview

Life Skills Wednesdays is a practical, hands-on program designed to build everyday life skills in a safe, supportive farm environment. Participants will learn essential “need-to-know” skills that support independence at home and in the community.

Skills are introduced in a basic, accessible way and are revisited and built upon over time, allowing participants to progress at their own pace and gain confidence through repetition and real-world practice.

​

Core Skill Areas

1. Basic Tool Identification & Safe Usage

Participants will learn:

• Identifying common household tools (e.g. screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, Allen keys)

• What each tool is used for

• Basic safety rules when using tools

• How to store tools correctly

• Practising simple, supervised tasks using appropriate tools

• ​

2. Basic Cooking Skills

Participants will develop foundational kitchen skills, including:

• Kitchen safety and hygiene

• Identifying basic kitchen equipment and utensils

• Simple food preparation (washing, chopping, measuring)

• Using basic appliances safely (e.g. kettle, toaster, microwave, stove – where appropriate)

• Preparing simple meals and snacks

• Cleaning up after cooking and food storage basics

• Common sense substitutes when recipe ingrediants aren't on hand

• How to prepare simple meals without needing a recipe book

• Learning the difference between white and red meat and their cooking times.

• What's the difference between a vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian and how do I stay healthy?
   

3. Basic Home Handyperson Skills

Participants will learn everyday home maintenance skills such as:

• Identifying different types of light bulbs, tap washers and minor maintenance items

• How and when to change a light bulb safely

• Understanding basic electrical safety (what not to do)

• Identifying taps and understanding hot vs cold

• What washers are and why taps drip

• Identifying basic plumbing tools

• Practising simple, non-invasive maintenance tasks

• Where's my Meter box and how to check if I've tripped the switch?
   

4. Everyday Household Knowledge

Additional life skills will be introduced gradually, including:

• Understanding household systems (power, water, safety including Emergencies) will include visits from relevant Authorities

• Reading basic instructions and labels

• Knowing when to attempt a task independently and when to ask for help

• Problem-solving simple household issues

• Building routines and responsibility around home tasks

• Budgeting, bills and money

​

5. Motor Vehicle Familiarisation & Basic Maintenance Awareness

Participants will be introduced to essential motor vehicle knowledge to support independence and safety. Learning includes:

• Identifying key parts of a vehicle under the bonnet

• Understanding where engine oil goes and how to check oil levels

• Identifying coolant/water reservoirs

• Understanding windscreen washer fluid and how to refill it

• Recognising windscreen wipers and their purpose

• Understanding fuel basics, including different fuel types and which vehicles require each

• Learning basic tyre safety and awareness

• Understanding the steps involved in changing a tyre (demonstration and discussion)

• Knowing when a task can be attempted and when professional help is required

All vehicle-related learning is delivered safely and appropriately, focusing on knowledge, awareness, and confidence rather than mechanical complexity.
 

Program Structure

• Hands-on, practical learning

• Small group support with individualised assistance

• Skills broken down into clear, achievable steps

• Repetition and progression over time

• Support tailored to participant ability, goals, and confidence
   

Outcomes

Participants will:

• Build confidence in everyday tasks

• Increase independence at home

• Develop practical problem-solving skills

• Gain transferable skills for daily living and future goals

• Strengthen communication, safety awareness, and self-belief