Kevin’s is a truly inspiring story of the power of supported employment, telling not just of longevity and skill development but of the life-changing impact that meaningful work can have. For 38 years, Kevin’s been a rock at Access Industries, a journey that took off after his brother referred him for a job and has ended up being a career he genuinely loves. His story’s a testament to how a supported employment program can help people like Kevin pick up new skills, gain work experience, and reach their employment goals with the right support.
From One Job to Another: Learning and Gaining Skills through Training
When Kevin first joined Access Industries, it marked a “complete change” from his previous work environment—a shift he immediately embraced. Over nearly four decades, he has become a versatile and highly skilled employee, mastering a variety of roles:
- Spool Maker: Making wooden spools, which needs attention to detail and being super precise.
- Docking Saw Operator: Running machinery to cut things accurately – proper precision required here.
- Forklift Operator: A crucial role that involves getting certified and looking out for safety at all times.
- Saw Operator: Another very specific job involving operating machinery and handling materials.
Crucially, Kevin highlights that he received “a form of training for each job before starting it.” This commitment to training ensures employees are confident and competent in their roles, which is a core component of effective supported employment.
Access Industries: The Key to Kevin’s Success
Supported employment has been the backbone of Kevin’s long and rewarding career, and it continues to make a real difference for people with disability all over Australia. For people like Kevin, supported employment programs offer more than just a job – they provide a pathway to a meaningful, paid job, backed up with the right support and keeping on learning.
From the word go, Kevin’s employment journey was helped by a supported employment service that helped him figure out his strengths, set clear employment goals, and get hands-on experience in a real workplace. These services, usually paid for through the NDIS, are all about meeting the unique needs of each person, so people with disabilities can get the support and skills they need to thrive in their jobs.
The Australian Government knows just how important supported employment is in giving people with disability real opportunities – that’s why it’s got initiatives like the Supported Wage System and funding for supported employment, so people can find work that’s right for them. And it’s not just about paying them fairly – it’s also about helping businesses create places where everyone’s valued and can contribute.
Supported employment programs really are all about support – whether it’s training, workplace adjustments or helping people learn new skills, it’s all designed to help people build confidence and independence. For a lot of people, including Kevin, this support has been life-changing – it’s turned the workplace into a place where they feel like they belong and can really contribute.
On the other hand, employers and businesses can also benefit from supported employment services – they get access to a pool of talent and get help on making sure their workplaces are inclusive. And that’s not just good for business – it’s also good for the community.
In the end, supported employment is about more than just getting a job – it’s about building a career you love and being a part of the community. With the right support, people with disability can achieve their goals, build confidence, and get the satisfaction that comes from doing something they love. Kevin’s story shows just how supported employment can help people like him unlock their potential and find their place in the workforce.
Safety, Confidence & Flexibility
One of the main reasons Kevin’s been able to stick around for so long is Access Industries’ strong focus on safety and taking care of their employees. He says, “Safety is the number one thing here. It’s all about keeping us safe, and that’s how it should be.” This focus means he feels safe and confident in his job.
What’s more, the place is super supportive and flexible – the team is always happy to help people with high employment support needs. Kevin feels totally comfortable telling his supervisors and support people about any physical things he’s struggling with – if his body is playing up, he can ask for a less stressful job and they’ll sort it out for him. They “try to put me on a job that’s less stressful for my age and body.” This flexibility demonstrates a true commitment to train and retain people with disability for the long term.
Finding Purpose and Earning Value
For Kevin, work at Access Industries is much more than just a place to spend time; it provides a profound sense of purpose and value.
- Meaningful Work: “You’ve got to like what you’re doing. It has to be a purposeful thing.” This belief drives his strong work ethic.
- Motivation: He genuinely looks forward to his day. “I want to get up, I want to come to work, and I want to do the job.”
- Financial Independence: The ability to earn money and contribute is encapsulated in his life philosophy: “I work to live, not live to work.” This highlights the fundamental benefit of supported employment—it provides the means for a fulfilling life outside of the workplace.
Teamwork and Social Connection
Kevin says that the team at Access Industries are “real good” – they’re all super focused on their work & keep things running smoothly. For example, being part of a friendly crew at a company or social enterprise helps you get to know the people you’re working with & feel like you belong. New starters often get to take a tour of the site to meet the team & get a feel for the place. And as the years go by, you naturally build up all sorts of connections & friendships. The supportive environment & shared goals all come together to create a real sense of community that really adds to his happiness & job satisfaction.
After 38 years on the job, Kevin’s got a clear message: ‘If you want a job that’s really worth doing & brings you a sense of satisfaction, then Access Industries is the way to go.’ His story shows just what a difference it can make to have people behind you 100% and the right training in place – it’s a powerful example of what’s possible when you get support & training right.