For many people, changing jobs can be daunting. Even when a role is exciting, taking that first step into something new often comes with uncertainty, self-doubt and a healthy dose of nerves.
That’s something James, an inclusive employee at our packaging operation in Western Sydney knows only too well.
Having developed valuable skills and experience driving trucks within our supported employment environment, he is dreaming about a move into open employment as a truck driver. That’s something he has worked hard on and reflects both his capabilities and his ambition.
But while the opportunity is there, the decision is understandably a big one.
As an organisation, we’d love to see him pursue his dream. We know he has the skills, determination and potential to succeed. At the same time, we recognise that life-changing decisions need to happen when the individual feels ready, not when we do.
Why? Because we’re a person-centred organisation and that’s what person-centred support looks like.
James takes Afford client Jodie on a tour of the packaging centre in Western Sydney where he works.
Building confidence through employment
At Afford, we believe employment is about much more than a pay cheque.
Meaningful work provides opportunities to learn new skills, develop independence, build social connections, contribute to a team and grow in confidence. For people with disability, inclusive employment can be a powerful pathway to greater choice and control over their lives.
Every person’s journey is different. Some individuals are aiming to move to open employment, but need more time to build confidence, skills and experience. Others are happy with supported employment and have no intentions of moving on. Neither approach is right or wrong.
Our role is to remain beside people, help them explore opportunities if they want to, develop workplace skills and build their confidence. This is what we are doing for James – and we will continue to do for as long as he wishes.
James loves to drive the forklift when on shift at the Afford packaging centre in Western Sydney.
Why inclusive employment matters
Inclusive employment benefits everyone.
For individuals, it creates opportunities to develop skills, increase independence and achieve personal goals.
For employers, it opens the door to a diverse and capable workforce, bringing different perspectives, a strong work ethic and valuable contributions to workplace culture.
For communities, it helps create a more inclusive society where people are recognised for their abilities and contributions.
This is why employment pathways remain such an important focus for Afford. We know that when people are given the opportunity to learn, contribute and grow, the benefits extend far beyond the individual.
Strong partnerships creating real opportunities
Our packaging business is made possible through the support of a number of valued corporate partners who trust our teams to deliver high-quality work and help create meaningful employment opportunities.
Companies including Suntory Oceania, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Kimberly Clark and Colgate alongwith other organisations partner with us to deliver packaging and related services. These partnerships provide real-world work experiences that allow people to build practical skills, develop confidence and gain the experience needed to pursue future employment opportunities should they choose to do so.
Importantly, these relationships create value for everyone involved.
Individuals gain meaningful employment, develop transferable skills and build workplace confidence. Businesses gain access to a committed and capable workforce while making a tangible contribution to inclusion and social impact. Together, we create opportunities that might not otherwise exist.
James drives the Afford truck whenever he can. He is keen to work full-time as a truck driver one day.
The courage to consider what’s next
For James, the truck driver at the centre of this story, there is no pressure and no deadline.
There is simply a dream, a supportive team cheering him on and the knowledge that when he feels ready to take that next step, he won’t be taking it alone.
Sometimes the bravest thing a person can do isn’t accepting a new job – it’s allowing themselves to believe that they can. And James, we believe in you.
To learn more about our inclusive employment services call us on 1800 233 673 or click here Employment | Learn more
