Welcome home: Former NBL star Ben Knight (centre) with Joshua Hinchcliffe and Danielle Lane.
NOVA Employment's head office in St Marys held its annual open day last week to show students with a disability the options available to them.
The day was in held in partnership with Nova's Blacktown office.
Students from Chifley College senior campus, Halinda, Mitchell, Blacktown boys' and girls' high schools were invited to find out about the transition to work and disability employment programs.
Nova also has a program for students to spend four days a week at school and one day in work experience placement.
"We provide them with skills for the workforce and give them a taste of different industries," St Marys branch manager Kristy Whitehead said.
Last week's guests heard from success stories at Nova and met former local, retired NBL star Ben Knight.
Certificates were also presented to clients who have completed Nova's programs.
"We wanted to acknowledge the achievements of people with a disability," Mrs Whitehead said.
Nova Employment chief executive Martin Wren added: "We're giving these kids an identity.
Transition to Work program graduate Sophie Mitchell, 21, has recently secured a full-time job at Hair & Beauty Bargain Bazaar in St Marys.
Tasks include selling hair care products, pricing and helping customers with their inquiries.
"It gives me more confidence and teaches me skills such as answering the phone," she said.
Ms Mitchell encouraged businesses not rule out job applicants because of a disability.
"You learn more as a person and it benefits the employee and the organisation," she said.
Yesterday Lindsay MP David Bradbury met staff and clients at Nova, announcing a $10,000 grant to help improve the training of workers.