Daniel’s Journey to employment with Kmart
Daniel began his journey with the MatchWorks Greensborough DES team in July 2022, bringing with him a strong passion for retail and connecting with people. Over the following 12 months, Employment Consultant Anabelle worked closely with him to build his employability skills and prepare him for opportunities aligned with his interests.
When a position became available at a local Kmart, Daniel was selected to interview from a pool of candidates and he impressed the team. He secured a role as a store greeter and receipt checker, placing him directly in a customer-facing position.
While excited about the opportunity, Daniel also felt nervous and unsure of his abilities. “Daniel was excited but nervous,” said Post Placement Support Consultant Debbie. “I worked closely with him and Kmart’s management to help him settle in, build his confidence, and reassure him that he could succeed.”
Debbie attended his induction and supported Daniel throughout the onboarding process, including helping him complete the necessary training via the Kmart portal. With her support and the encouragement of Kmart’s team, Daniel quickly made a positive impression. Customers regularly praised his friendly attitude and willingness to go the extra mile with feedback regularly received by store management.
Eight months into his role, Daniel discovered a 12-month traineeship Kmart offers to employees living with a disability. With Debbie’s guidance, he applied, interviewed, and was successfully accepted into the program. The traineeship expanded his skill set and Daniel now assists with registers, stock management, and customer service, making him a versatile and valuable team member.
With additional support through the NDIS and the ongoing encouragement of MatchWorks, Daniel says he feels genuinely supported and has expressed a desire to remain with the program long-term.
Debbie continues to provide regular support through weekly site visits, working closely with both Daniel and Kmart’s management to ensure he continues to thrive. On 25 March, Daniel proudly graduated from his traineeship, a milestone that reflects just how far he’s come.
Among his personal achievements, Daniel recently saved enough money to independently plan and fund a three-day trip to Sydney. This was an experience he organised entirely on his own. “I’ve watched Daniel’s confidence grow over the last 19 months,” said Debbie. “It’s been a pleasure to see him reach his goals, and I look forward to supporting him as he sets his sights on new personal and professional achievements.”
Learn more about how MatchWorks support job seekers to find and keep meaningful employment on the Job Seekers page.
