SLES assists Morgan in landing his first job out of school at Bunnings, TAS.
20 year old Morgan landed his first job out of school with the assistance of MAX Solutions School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program.
The SLES program gives Year 12 school leavers with disability individualised supports to build their skills and assist them to confidently transition from school to employment.
“I’ve got small stature; I’m not physically the fittest bloke and I’m not all that strong,” Morgan said.
“I’m just a little bit smaller than the average person at 139cm and weigh only 30kgs.”
Morgan was confident and eager to work, but he wanted to make sure the job was right for him.
““I just wanted to find something suitable, I was always a real people person so I wanted a job where I could engage with people.”
Morgan said MAX listened to what he wanted.
Which is how Morgan gained the opportunity to undertake Work Experience with Bunnings Warehouse Mornington, TAS.
“MAX gave me some helpful advice, went through some practice job interviews with me, and gave me some tips on how to be enthusiastic and what kind of language to use,” Morgan said.
“I did a few weeks of work experience and I was lucky enough to get a job out of it.”
Now as a permanent member of the Bunnings Garden department, Morgan is relishing in not only working with customers, but also being a part of a big team.
“At our Bunnings in Mornington, there’s 42 people just on the floor. The team are brilliant, they’re really supportive. And I’ve got a good boss who is awesome.”
Morgan’s manager and other team members help Morgan with any queries he can’t answer, and see beyond his disability.
“When I don’t know the answer to a customer’s question I ask one of the other team members who have more experience," Morgan said.
“My boss said she won’t ever put me in the timber yard, because she understands I wouldn’t be able to do any heavy lifting."
Morgan said his confidence and positive attitude were key in landing his job.
“What you put in is what you get out of it the SLES program - and I worked hard. Whatever job you’re going for, try and impress the management and have a good attitude, and you should get the job.”
Morgan is thrilled at not only have found a great job, but that his new job is in a big company with lots of room for growth.
“It’s great having a job there, I love it. It’s such a big company and I’m just at the beginning. A few years down the track I might be able to move up."
For now, Morgan is focusing on the new found sense of freedom having his own job provides.
“I’ve got more independence, and it feels good to make your own money. I’m just saving as much as I can right now.”
For more information on the School Leaver Employment Support program visit maxsolutions.com.au/school-leavers-and-students
