Impact21 was co-designed in conjunction with employer partners; DuluxGroup, PwC, JB Hi-Fi, Sodexo and Deakin University. The student curriculum has been successfully built to produce work-ready graduates with industry relevant skills, confidence, independence, and social connectedness.

Participants learn within an inclusive tertiary environment and on-the-job work experiences and transition into the workforce as employees with ongoing support and professional development.

Employers receive tailored inclusion training, tools and support for all staff to become confident and capable in sustaining a diverse workforce. Employers that sign up to the program, including those in regional Victoria, will benefit from training customised to their business needs, whilst building increased capacity as an inclusive employer, with ongoing support.

Employers, including those in regional Victoria, are supported through online learning and short courses empowering the hiring of people from their local communities.

Following the success of the pilot program in 2019, 74% of the graduates are still in open employment with large-scale employers. The second intake of 16 participants began in 2021, the third intake of 8 participants began in 2022 and a fourth intake of 7 participants began in 2023.