Volunteering for a year
Lochlan hopes paid work will become available
LOCHLAN Thomas has taken his employability into his own hands.
After facing knock-back after knock-back, the Kensington Grove 18-year-old decided to let his abilities do the talking.
Mr Thomas has volunteered at Hatton Vale State School for almost a year now.
While he is not officially employed, the Lockyer Valley teenager is determined he is on the right track.
“I believe I’ve got the skills and motivation to get out there and prove that to not only myself, but to future people with cerebral palsy,” Mr Thomas said.
“It doesn’t matter what the variation of the disability you’ve got, you’re capable of anything you put your mind to.”
Since beginning his role almost four schooling terms ago, Mr Thomas has gradually increased his commitment to the school and now volunteers on a full-time basis.
He not only assisted classroom teachers and students with technology, but he also performed the role of a teacher aid.
Hatton Vale School Principal Ashley Lawless said he was an asset to the school.
“Lochlan would be a positive addition to any school,” he said.
“He has certainly made himself welcome with the staff, he’s very personable, his emotional intelligence is quite high, and he understands how the school
‘‘ HE’S VERY PERSONABLE, HIS EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IS QUITE HIGH, AND HE UNDERSTANDS HOW THE SCHOOL POLITICS OPERATE.
politics operate.”
Mr Thomas said he tried to gain work through multiple disability employment agencies, but was often restricted by his disability.
He has required a wheelchair for his whole life, which made accessibility a major issue, but since starting at the Hatton Vale school he has had no issues.
While working for free for almost a year may seem ludicrous to some, Mr Thomas believed good things will come to people who wait.
“Someone with a disability has just got to be patient and put themselves out there and start with voluntary and work up the chain and get paid,” he said.
Mr Lawless said catering for a diverse range of people was a priority of the school and employment was a matter of a position becoming available.
“If there was a position down the track he would have every opportunity to apply for those roles,” he said.
“He’s got an innate skill. “We are just lucky we can offer him the opportunity to work in a volunteer position at this point.”