To further indulge his passions, the 25-year-old wants to earn his own money and buy a new Bluetooth speaker.

To help do that, Nicky will join a new disability 'education to employment' program which will soon launch in Bendigo.

MORE NEWS: VIPER Taskforce seizes stolen car, weapons from Bendigo, Echuca properties

Inclusion Foundation's Impact21 program - delivered in partnership with CVGT Employment - is designed to help young people with Down syndrome or intellectual disability find real, paid employment.

The course involves a classroom component, workplace activities and an internship at the end of the program and a goal to equip each young person with the skills required to acquire a role in the open workforce.

"For the families involved, it's about building that independence for their child or family member," Inclusion Foundation, Impact21 lead regional co-ordinator Donna Petrusma said.

"The motivation for participants is finding employment. It's about finding friends, learning how to work in a professional environment in an appropriate way, and building that social connection and responsibility."

The program has enjoyed significant success in Melbourne over the past two years, matching dozens of young people with employers and boosting inclusion and independence.

OTHER STORIES:

Bendigo's 18-month pilot of the program, funded by Jobs Victoria, is bringing together up to 10 local participants and national and community employers.

The program will be launched in Bendigo in August.

"We've loved being part of this initiative, expanding the horizons for what's possible when it comes to work for people with Down syndrome or an intellectual disability," CVGT Employment chief executive Jason Russell said.

"We're confident Impact21 will have the same impact in Bendigo as it's already having in Melbourne, where successful participants are working with employers such as JB Hi-fi, Tennis Australia and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image."

Impact21 targets three areas of professional workplace development - administration, customer service and hospitality.

MORE NEWS: Matty's Sanctuary owner rushed to hospital after being trampled by camels near Bendigo

"We delve into those areas so participants can clearly have a look at what interests them and where they want to move in their career path, rather than offering a role they don't want or are not suited to," Ms Petrusma said.

Nicky said he was excited about being involved in the program and his aims were clear.

"I'm looking forward to making friends, earning money and learning skills," he said.

An information session for potential participants, families and disability service providers will be held at the Bendigo Library, at 259 Hargreaves Street, on Wednesday, August 3 from 2pm to 3pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

For more details, or to register interest, contact Donna Petrusma by email at donna.petrusma@inclusionfoundation.org.au or on 03 9854 7100.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: