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It may not have been easy, but experiencing depression and anxiety would eventually put Ashley on a whole new career path.
One which is fulfilling, and one she is loving.
With support from the Disability Employment Services program by APM and the CROWNability program, she’s forging her career path with confidence and pride.
It hasn’t taken long for her outlook on the future to feel brighter.
“My future now, compared to about 10 months ago, is just amazing” Ashley said.
Working her way up
Ashley is one of the friendly faces from CROWN customers encounter when they arrive for their stay.
Referred to the CROWNability program through APM, Ashley’s skills made her a great fit for the Bell Services at CROWN Perth.
“She’s been an asset since the moment she joined” CROWN Hiring Manager Lucy said.
“Ashley’s disability did not have any impact on her being employed.”
During her shifts, Ashley greets customers and helps check them into their accommodation and arranges for their bags to be taken to their room.
Through her work Ashley’s customer service skills have shone, and she has progressed to higher duties.
Her superiors describe her as a positive influence on the rest of her team.
Ashley expressed her keen ambition to progress: “I’m working my way up and looking into different areas and sections of the hotel and resort”
Her lived experiences as a transgender woman included feeling excluded from certain workplaces and experiencing negative attitudes.
Over time these impacted her mental health, subsequently contributing to real and perceived barriers to finding meaningful work.
Finding a workplace which supports her mental health and career progression has been life-changing for Ashley.
“I’m just confident and happy that I have all these opportunities open to me” Ashley said.
A perfect partner for APM Employment Services, the CROWNability program is about ensuring people with disability are given every opportunity to gain employment and build meaningful careers.
Supported by APM, this national initiative provides tailored support for job seekers and managers through measures like job matching and post-placement support.
A positive influence on her team
APM Employer Account Manager Kerrilee recalls meeting Ashley and seeing how her previous experiences had impacted her mental health.
“She had lost a lot of confidence, and we helped build that confidence back up” Kerrilee said.
APM Employment Services has supported more than 120,000 job seekers with an injury, illness, or disability into work over the last two years.
“I think it’s changed her life dramatically. She’s got a whole new career path ahead of her” she added.
Employers who include candidates living with injury, illness or disability in their recruitment practices too can find employees like Ashley who are “positive, hardworking, loyal and flexible.”
CROWN Perth Hiring Manager Lucy shares some of her insights
“When I’m looking to hire someone for a role, I’m looking for their attitude not their ability” she said.
“I think the more diverse our team is, the more we learn from each other.”
This approach has not just given Ashley more confidence and a more positive outlook on life.
Each time she comes to work, she knows she is welcome, visible, and capable.
And that is exactly how work can enable a better life for someone.