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Peer Support Foundation of SA
and Employment


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Contact Details:

peersupport@mac.com

Kaye Iversen
Executive Officer

The Peer Support Program And Employment

In March 1989 the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) conducted a survey of more than 200 graduate employers.

The question asked was 'How important are the following attributes to when you decide which graduates will be recruited?' The response from employers were as follows:

Attributes that are crucial or very important
oral and written communication skills86%
interpersonal skills74%
teamwork skills70%
analytical skills73%

Attributes that are very important or quite important
academic results in relevant subjects79%
overall academic results86%
computer literacy60%


It is interesting to note that personal skills were rated higher than academic skills.

The aims and objectives of the Peer Support Program relate to the critical needs of employers.

For example

  • to develop group co-operation
  • to develop members' communication skills
  • to assist members to develop their interpersonal relationships
  • to practise decision making and problem solving skills
These skills are developed by firstly training older students to take the leadership role and facilitate the group work where the students can work together to learn skills needed in their social interactions with people in various environments.

Although the Program was not established with the aim to assist with employability, it has been a positive additional outcome.