Tyler loving job with Coles 6 years later
MatchWorks Corio and Coles Lara worked closely together to make Tyler’s dream job a reality. Six years later Tyler reports that he’s still loving his job.
“I’ve worked at Coles for 6 years. The thing I like the best, the most, it’s the cash registers. I like working with the customers, they’re kind,” said Retail Assistant Tyler Cook
The MatchWorks Corio team first met Tyler when he was 19. He was highly motivated to find work, visiting local businesses to introduce himself. He had a clear picture of what he wanted from MatchWorks as his Disability Employment Services (DES) provider, with a job at his local Coles in Lara at the top of his wish list.
Tyler’s mother Sharon supported his career goals but was also painfully aware of the barriers that people living with disability can experience in their search for meaningful work.
“When he was like a preppy, he always wanted to work at Coles. And we used to say to him, ‘oh maybe one day mate, there’s plenty of other things out there to do’. We never thought that he would actually get a chance to do it,” she said.
Joanne Falcone, MatchWorks Employment Engagement Partner, worked closely with Coles, providing recruitment, funding and onboarding support. The retailer offered Tyler a position as Retail Assistant at Coles Lara, where he has been a valued team member for six years.
“He has really come into his own, which is amazing, and he is a completely different person than I met all those years ago… there has been a huge turnaround in his demeanour,” Joanne said.
“Tyler has year on year demonstrated that he’s productive, that he’s a value to the business, that customers enjoy seeing him.
As MatchWorks Post Placement Support Officer, Courtney Baker continues to provide assistance to Tyler and to Coles, supporting Tyler’s ongoing success in the role.
“He has a fantastic sense of humour, and he’s also really kind and thoughtful,” Courtney said. “When somebody is asking for assistance in the supermarket he goes out of his way to try and help them.”
“He enjoys interacting with his colleagues, and the customers, it gives him a sense of purpose. He’s contributing to the community.”
Learn more about MatchWorks Disability Employment Services
If you’re living with an injury, disability or health condition and looking for work, MatchWorks can help you prepare for, find and keep a job.