Finding a better life in a year like no other – Allan’s story
Allan is a shining example of resilience and determination. He lives with an intellectual and physical disability and always wanted to work. Yet finding the right employer proved to be a challenge.
Now, with the help of MatchWorks’ Central Coast team, the New South Wales job seeker has started a new warehouse role at Achieve Australia’s The Sewing Basket.
Allan is really happy in his new job at The Sewing Basket in Kincumber, NSW.
“Allan was by far the hardest working job seeker I had, and was applying for over 20 jobs a month by himself,” Employment Consultant Mathew said.
“He would regularly share his progress with us, and after a few months, he opened up about his previous work environment. I promised him that we would avoid putting him in that situation again.”
Allan starts to see positive change
The team helped Allan find new job opportunities. They also worked with him on his presentation skills so he could engage well at job interviews, and further encouraged him to keep motivated while he worked with his doctor and personal trainer to lose almost 40 kilograms.
“So much has changed for me over the last eight months,” Allan said.
“Michelle and Mat helped me keep my hopes up and stay positive. They found the job for me and after the interview, I was on the list of four contenders… then I got the call that I was the lucky one to get it!”
Allan said life is much better now that he has a job, and a typical work day includes tagging and sorting fabric, and packing boxes in the warehouse.
“The staff are so wonderful, they are the best staff and when you need help, they help… I feel really happy there,” he said.
“I would like to thank David Rafferty for giving me a chance to work there and be part of the wonderful staff I have met. And I would like to say thank you to Mat and Michelle for everything they have done for me. Without them, I don’t know where I would be now… you just need to talk to the right people.”
International Day of People with Disability – Thursday 3 December
Today is International Day of People with Disability, a time to increase community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.
This year’s theme is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World” and emphasises the importance of disability-inclusive responses to COVID-19.
Do you need support to help you find work?
Contact us to find out how we can assist.