Published on 03 November 2016

Caley Bethune-Alchin has a vital role as chief banana stacker at Woolworths' Warragul store.

His other role is less specific but just as important: he is the human face of the store, greeting customers with his beaming smile.

"Caley has been fantastic in the role," says store manager Ricky Proctor. "The customers really like him."

Mr Bethune-Alchin, who has Asperger syndrome and cerebral palsy, was introduced to Woolworths by APM, a disability employment provider working with local businesses to find people jobs.

APM consultant Karen Ardiente approached several employers in the Warragul and Drouin area, before Woolworths offered him a two week trial in August.

Mr Proctor said it was clear within the first week that Mr Bethune-Alchin had a special quality.

"He's got a great personality. I've got a lot of employees here who can't engage as well as Caley. He might not be as productive as some others but I want him to be the guy customers can engage with."

Mr Bethune-Alchin said he hadn't always been so outgoing. "I used to be quite shy." The job was a great opportunity to give back to the community, he said. I'm also out there earning my keep."

Mr Proctor said he believed big employers such as supermarkets should try to place people with disabilities where it worked for both parties.

"As a store manager, I take social responsibility quite seriously. It's a conversation I had with some of my store managers here. We can't help everyone but if we can't help people like Caley, who's going to? It's been a real win-win for both of us."

For media enquiries, please contact

corporate.affairs@apm.net.au

Recent Articles

Benalla’s champions shine with APM sponsorship

Read more

Five tips for improving disability inclusion at work from Australia’s most-decorated Paralympian Ellie Cole

Read more

Helen’s career gold at the end of the rainbow

Read more

Study, support lead to employment success for Kerry

Read more

Want to find out more about APM Group?

Rate this page
Was this page helpful?
RatingRatingRating
12