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What is Career Start?

Each year, we search Australia-wide for talented graduates who are blind or have low vision, and offer them a chance to kick start their career in their chosen field.

Career Start is a 12-month program consisting of a nine-month paid placement within Vision Australia and a three-month paid placement with an external employer.

We offer a flexible job position and location, tailored to your needs, where you can develop workplace skills, apply your qualification in practice and develop a network of contacts and mentors.

Upon completion of the program, we offer support in transitioning into ongoing employment.

Areas of Vision Australia

We can place you in a broad range of areas, based on your desired career.

Marketing, Communications, Fundraising, Radio, Volunteering, Advocacy, Human Resources, Project Management, Information Technology, Finance, Library Services, Seeing Eye Dogs Australia.

Allied Health areas include Occupational Therapy (adult and paediatric), Speech Pathology (paediatric), Physiotherapy (paediatric), Early Childhood Education, Orthoptics and Orientation and Mobility.

Eligibility criteria

  • Graduated within the last four years
  • Will have completed study prior to commencement
  • Have obtained a qualification at Diploma level or higher
  • Be able to participate in the program for 12 months continuously
  • Be able to participate in the program for a minimum 0.8 EFT (full-time preferred)
  • Have a current eye report (within the last 12 months)
  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Live within commutable distance to Vision Australia sites

If you don’t meet all the eligibility criteria and think you might still be suited to Career Start, give us a call and we can discuss your situation. All applicants will be offered consultation with Vision Australia Employment Services.

How can I apply?

We start with you, your qualifications, your experience and your career aspirations, and place you in a position that matches your skills and expertise.

Applications open in April each year. Register your interest here and we will let you know when applications open.

Find out more

Contact us via email at [email protected].

Hear from Career Start graduates