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Sharon’s journey to happiness with a new job
Finding the right support
Like thousands of people with disability in Australia who search for employment every year, finding a job where she was a valued member of a team, played a vital role in overcoming and managing Sharon’s health issues.
It was through the Disability Employment Services program with APM Employment Services that Sharon was able to move forward.
As part of the program Sharon received support to find a job that suited her capacity to work and would be motivating and rewarding for her personally.
Before they started searching for jobs, Sharon worked with her dedicated Employment Consultant at APM to develop skills and confidence.
“They got my self-confidence back, got my self-esteem back, they told me never to give up and don’t feel as though you’re being a burden on anybody and don’t bottle yourself up,” she said.
“At first I didn’t know how to do a resume, so they helped with my resumes and cover letters and asked me what sort of job I wanted to do.
“I just said I like to do anything to help people and things like that,” Sharon added.
A chance to prove herself
Sharon went on several interviews without any luck, often losing out to younger job seekers or people with more experience for a role.
But when she went for an interview for a cleaning role, the hiring manager immediately saw Sharon’s potential.
“I was supposed to be going there for a cleaning job but then I got told “No, you’ve got to become a porter”.
“I said yes immediately without even asking what it was.”
Sharon was hired by professional cleaning services firm Delron to work on their contract with Transway, which brought her to engaging with the passengers and crew of The Prospector.
And it’s a role where her disability is not an issue.
“It’s one of our contracts where hospitality services is really key,” said Sharon’s employer Brad.
“We get really great feedback from our staff and clients who take The Prospector about Sharon and the friendly way she’s greeting them and her engaging nature.”
Sharon says the role has transformed her outlook on life.
“It’s given me my self-esteem back, my confidence back, I feel like I’m a new person,” she said.
In 2019, APM Employment Services helped more than 60,000 people with an injury, illness or disability find a job.
APM has continued to support job seekers to find work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.