Mark the owner and manager of Coastal Habits, a four star resort in Hervey Bay, employed Ashley after taking him on as a trainee.
Ashley has an eye disease with severe visual impairment, but this has not affected his ability to work.
Ashley’s local Disability Employment Services provider, Community Employment Options, arranged for Ashley to do some work at Coastal Habits while completing his traineeship including a Certificate II in Horticulture.
Taking on a trainee allowed Mark to get someone trained for his business.
When Ashley successfully finished his traineeship, Mark offered him a job. Ashley, with support from Community Employment Options and Coastal Habits, is now Mark’s only full time employee.
At Coastal Habits, Ashley is a highly valued groundsperson who cares for plants in the 20 acre grounds. He prunes, mows, irrigates, controls pests and carries out general maintenance.
‘Ashley is eager and works harder than other employees and is always early to work. Ashley’s disability has no impact on his performance’, Mark said.
Working full-time has increased Ashley’s confidence and self-esteem. ‘This job has really turned my life around’, Ashley said.
By employing Ashley, Mark gained an employee who is eager to work and who is qualified for the job.
People with disability want to work. Employing a trainee with disability is a good way to attract, train and retain employees to meet the specific needs of your business. There are also a range of supports and incentives available when you take on an apprentice or trainee.
You can find out more about the benefits to your business of employing people with disability through this link:
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