Ruby Lewis, 23, came to APM for help in finding a job and managing the challenges of little experience and an intellectual disability.
Working with consultant Ashley Berzins, Ruby was able to find a job with employer Amanda White at the Happy Herb Shop.
Amanda said Ruby has grown in the 12 weeks since starting at the Rockhampton business where she has become a hit with customers.
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Ruby’s success has been highlighted by The Morning Bulletin…
Rocky woman finds work after years of searching
Ruby's dream has finally come true.
After years of looking, 12 weeks ago, 23 year-old Rockhampton woman Ruby Lewis finally gained permanent employment.
Since leaving school, Ruby has found it quite difficult to gain employment due to her intellectual disability and lack of experience.
Frustrated, Ruby turned to APM, a disability employment provider who works with local businesses to find jobs.
After some months, APM consultant Ashley Berzins was able to find a local employer willing to take the young job seeker on.
"Ashley went along to the interview with Ruby, as Ruby was quite shy and nervous,” APM's General Manager of Corporate Affairs Adrian Bradley said.
"Fortunately, Ruby and the employer got on very well. The employer hired Ruby, who is now employed for the first time in her life, with a job, money and opportunities.
"This is a great example of how a job can turn someone's life around.”
Ruby has now been employed as a part-time retail assistant with Happy Herb Shop in the Rockhampton CBD for 12 weeks.
Business owner Amanda White said employing a disabled person was something she had always wanted to do.
"I was inspired by our customers, we have a lot of beautiful customers that come in that are special needs,” Ms White said.
"They love the music in here and the smells.
"And just watching the carers with them, I wanted to do something they do as well.”
At work, Ruby has many responsibilities.
"I vacuum, mop, dust, serve the customers, greet them,” she said.
And her employer is singing her praises.
"Ruby is amazing on the computer, on the phone, on the eftpos, there is never any issues or problems,” Ms White said.
Months into the job now, Ruby is excelling at her job.
"When Ruby first started it was hard for her to serve customers, now she is yelling goodbye to them as they go out the door,” Ms White said.
"Such a confidence boost for her. She has come so far in 12 weeks.
"It's good watching her grow, we have regular customers that have noticed it as well.”
And most of all, Ruby is loving it.
"It's new and a good environment,” she said.
Ms White is putting the call out to other local businesses to look at employing those who may disabled.
"Do it, give it a go, it's worth it,” she said.
"All we are doing it trying to give her a go, it's easy.
"It's not only changing Ruby's life, but others as well, she is interacting with other people and changing their lives.”