Matthew proves he has the ability
MATTHEW Crimmins couldn’t wait to get his hands dirty at his work placement at Favourite Autos this week.
The UnitingCare Community Employment Service client has been trying to get into the automotive industry since he finished high school, but found it hard to secure an apprenticeship without having already started one or having experience.
Now, through the Federal Government’s AccessAbility Day pilot program, which is being trialled throughout eight cities across the country, Mr Crimmins has been given the opportunity to show just how capable he is.
“Being given an opportunity like this makes someone like me feel good about being given the chance to work,” he said.
Under the guidance of UnitingCare Community Employment Service’s Joe Casey and Favourite Autos owner Matt Boogerman, Mr Crimmins was able to detail a car, assist with a roadworthy check, and learn about some of the things that can go wrong with cars and how to fix them.
“It means I can actually put myself out there and show someone what I can do and show that I’m keen, doing jobs like this and working,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to coming back. If companies gave people with a disability a chance like this, a lot of people would feel better about themselves.”
AccessAbility Day ran this week and finishes today, with employment agencies APM, MAX Employments and UnitingCare Community Employment Service helping place people locally.
UnitingCare’s Joe Casey said the purpose of the program was to focus on the ability of people.
“Across Toowoomba we’ve organised 10-11 different employers that are participating with us, and we’ve got 27 of our clients that are participating in the work experience day,” he said.
“It gives them a broad range of experience with people but also demonstrates to employers what our people are capable of.”