Anthony achieves his career goals with some help from are-able Mildura
Completing your final year of schooling is both an exciting and occasionally stressful time in your life. Imagine undertaking this challenge with a learning disability and the worry of how you will be able to transition into your desired career – this was the reality facing Mildura local Anthony Papillo in October 2018…. until he discovered are-able.
Following a presentation at a local school, Anthony contacted are-able requesting to participate in the Disability Employment Service (DES) program. Anthony wanted assistance with finding a traineeship in Childcare.
Anthony’s learning disability had affected his self-confidence and ability to advocate for himself; he didn’t feel confident to undertake the theory components of a traineeship. Jessica Peters from are-able Mildura worked with Anthony; getting to know him and providing him with the tools needed to make his dream career a reality. “Together we developed a goal plan, mapping out what supports Anthony would need to be successful in finding a traineeship. A key part of Anthony’s journey was to find a supportive employer, willing to help him build up his confidence, and provide a supportive work environment that allowed him to be successful in his theory components” Said Jessica who then worked with Anthony to provide support and help him achieve these goals.
Within three weeks of working with are-able and Jessica, Anthony successfully gained a full-time traineeship with Outback Kids as a Child Care Worker. To ensure Anthony had the best chance of success, Jessica worked with Outback Kids and Anthony to implement the necessary support systems.
Anthony began in the older children’s rooms and was assigned a Mentor from Outback kids from day one; this provided him with confidence in learning the role.
are-able continued to liaise with Outback Kids to ensure there was additional support from his training provider to assist with the theory assessments.
Both are-able and Outback Kids had an open-door approach with Anthony, always willing to help where needed. are-able also assisted Anthony with purchasing and organising his work uniforms, WWCC, Police Check and First Aid certificate.
Anthony is proud to report, “in just over twelve months since walking into the are-able office. I have completed a traineeship with Outback Kids Child Care Centre and completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. I am so thankful for the opportunities Outback Kids and are-able has given me. I have enjoyed it so much that I want to continue on and complete my Diploma in 2020.”
Since beginning his career “Anthony has developed trusting relationships with the children and their families at the centre, he also continues to gain knowledge and understanding in the early childhood setting. We look forward to seeing Anthony continue to develop and grow into a strong male educator,” said Outback Kids Director, Nikki Gledhill.
Jessica also reflected on Anthony’s achievements “I’m so proud of Anthony, his confidence has grown dramatically from when we first met him. You can tell he now feels confident in his role and more importantly within himself. He even recently got his driver’s licence on his first attempt – he’s such a Champion! I’m looking forward to supporting him through this next step of his career journey.”
are-able is one of regional Australia’s leading providers of the Federal Government’s Jobactive and Disability Employment Service programs. This means we are among the best in the country at helping people to find meaningful and sustainable employment. are-able can work for you to find an employment or training opportunity that enhances your life.
With a team of more than 300 people, and 29 offices across Western Victoria and South East South Australia, there’s likely to be an are-able site near you. Speak to us about how we work with people to achieve their goals, in both work and life.