CBS Inc. and Flinders University launch Australian-first diploma creating new employment pathways for people with intellectual disability

Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. has had long 30 year history of developing innovative supports for people with a disability. CBS Inc. is proud to be working in a new innovative partnership with Flinders University, launching an Australian-first Diploma of Employment Pathways. This is a groundbreaking initiative designed to create meaningful and supported pathways into employment for people with intellectual disability. A key element is also career advancement or getting an even better job.

Commencing in March 2026, the one-year diploma will be led by Flinders University in partnership with us at CBS Inc., combining university-based learning with career planning, employability skills development and real-world work placements. CBS Inc. will be providing the individual work placements for students and employer connections leading to employment. The program has been specifically designed to provide tailored, strengths-based support while enabling students to build confidence, independence and strong connections with employers and community partners.

The Diploma of Employment Pathways represents a national first in higher education, responding to long-standing gaps in inclusive post-school education and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disability.

As a leading disability employment and support provider, CBS Inc. will work closely with Flinders University to support students’ transition from study into employment. This includes connecting students with industry partners, providing work-readiness support, and helping create inclusive workplaces where graduates can thrive.

Registered student Zac Colton said “I’m really keen to start the Diploma of Employment at Flinders. It’s an incredible opportunity to build on my past IT experience and make new friends. I’ve always wanted to experience university life, and I’m excited to see what it has to offer.”

CBS Inc. Founder and Executive Director Freddie Brincat (OAM) said “We have seen so many of our participants with an intellectual disability in our Commonwealth funded Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program obtain great jobs that they never thought achievable on leaving school. This is despite having virtually no access to universities and limited access to TAFE. Though available in many overseas countries like Spain this Diploma will be a real door opener to further career opportunities and I know many students just can’t wait to start.”

Flinders Project Lead, Associate Professor Fiona Rillotta said “everyone has equal right to access higher education, and this Diploma will support students with intellectual disability to demonstrate their learning at university level in ways that work for them. Our partnership with CBS Inc. will enable career pathways that some students and graduates may never have thought possible.”

The diploma will offer students opportunities to engage with community and industry partners throughout the year, ensuring learning is practical, relevant and connected to real workforce needs.

Together, CBS Inc. and Flinders University are setting a new national benchmark for inclusive education and employment, reinforcing the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, work, contribute and belong.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Freddie Brincat OAM
Founder and Executive Director, CBS Inc.
0417 882 405
08 8224 2903

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