09/10/2026
How can a herd of horses help you in your healthcare career?
It's not a riddle, it's the basis of an innovative career pilot program: Stable Steps.
Stable Steps supported culturally and linguistically diverse women aged 45 and over who are interested in careers in healthcare, aged care, disability support and community services.
The program combined employability training with equine-assisted learning.
Delivered by EQ Leaders in partnership with APM Employment Services, Sarina Russo Job Access and Workforce Australia Western Melbourne Local Jobs Program, the program helped participants strengthen:
- communication
- emotional awareness
- leadership skills
- employment readiness
For many of the participants, English is their second or third language, making the focus on non-verbal communication an important part of the experience.
APM's Gary Ostwald, Leah Nischler and a few more of our team recently joined the participants and partners in Little River, Victoria to launch the Stable Steps Impact Report and celebrate the program's achievements. Check out the amazing shots Lizzy Jacobs Photography captured from the event.
Thank you to our partners, Emma Costin and the team at EQ Leaders, and everyone involved in delivering this program.
Most importantly, congratulations to the participants whose commitment and willingness to embrace new experiences have led to such positive outcomes.
View the impact report to learn more about Stable Steps: https://www.eqleaders.com.au/stablesteps