Teams competing in a bike build challenge at Sumsion Gardens, Wodonga on 31 August are set to discover the power of teamwork, instructions and giving.

Two groups of jobseekers with disabilities will work with an employment consultant to build a bike ‘from scratch’, firstly unpacking parts from a box, then following instructions to assemble the bike and later presenting the finished product to a local school student.

The event is being organised by Hume Employment Service as part of National Literacy and Numeracy Week (29 August – 4 September 2011).

Hume Employment Service (www.humeemp.com) delivers employment and pre-employment programs to people who face a range of barriers to employment, including disabilities.

“Literacy and numeracy are critical skills for people seeking employment,” said Disability Employment Services Contact Manager, Nicole Hawkins.

“The focus for this event will be team building and social inclusion. Following instructions to build a bike fits nicely into literacy and numeracy week.”

“There’s also a bonus surprise at the end as the two groups have no idea that the bikes they are building will be presented to students from Belvoir Specialist School and Wodonga Middle Year College”.

Ms Hawkins thanked Push Bikes Albury for supporting the event.

“Terry Wolki from Push Bikes Albury kindly agreed to supply two bikes at a discounted cost and will safety check them after the event.”

Participants in the bike build challenge will have an opportunity to celebrate their efforts with the two local school students and their teachers at a social BBQ afterwards.

PHOTO/VISION AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Thursday, 31 August – Sumsion Gardens, Wodonga

11am – 12 noon: the job seekers will be building the bikes

1pm – 1.30pm: presentation of finished bike to students

For further details please contact:

NICOLE HAWKINS, DES Contract Manager, Hume Employment Service

Tel: (03) 5722 8025 Mobile: 0427 172 216