From client to coach

Trish was a client of Afford’s Disability Employment Services (DES) before gaining a job as an Employment Coach in our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) service. She shares her story.

When Trish began her journey with Afford, she faced uncertainty.

“Because of my surgery, I had to rethink the kind of work I was able to apply for,” Trish explained.

“The Disability Employment Services (DES) team helped me – they asked what I’d like to do, we updated my resume, I got interview tips, then a job I was interested in opened up at Afford.

“When I finally got the letter saying ‘Welcome to Afford’ I cheered.”

Trish is now an Employment Coach in the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) service.

“I love it. The staff are great, it feels like I’ve always been part of the team. I like knowing that I’m helping others reach their goals too,” she said.

Through DES and SLES, Afford works with people with disabilities, injury or illness to find a job and achieve their work goals.

DES can assist clients 18 years and over with their job search, and the recruitment and training process.

Afford’s SLES program is available for clients who are leaving school soon and are younger than 18. It gives them insights into the areas of work that they’re interested in, and provides them with skills and experiences to reach their goals.

This story is from the April edition of Afford News. Click here to read more.