Angus and APM Employment Services

What does it feel like to find your place?

For Angus, it looks like early mornings, working outdoors, helping people, and being part of a team. It looks like purpose, independence and pride.

And, as he puts it simply: “Now I have a job I feel good… and probably feel independent.”

But getting there wasn’t easy.

Growing up on a farm in Narbethong, Victoria, Angus was always hands-on. He learned by doing - fixing, building, helping.

“I was growing up at school and with my dad on the farm… going out on job sites and stuff with him,” he said.

His dad, Rob, made sure he had every opportunity to try.

“I’ve just made him come to work with me and try anything and everything I’m doing,” he said.

Those experiences built strong practical skills and a clear goal. Angus wanted to work.

“He was desperate to get a job,” Rob said. “He just wanted to be like his dad and go to work every day.”

But like many people living with disability, Angus faced barriers that had nothing to do with his ability.

“There were a few places… they wouldn’t accept him because of his disability,” Rob said.

In a small rural community, those challenges can feel even bigger.

As his APM employment consultant Marissa explained, “Being in a small community, it really does present some barriers… finding that really good match can be difficult.”

Still, Angus didn’t lose sight of what he wanted.

After completing work experience with Murrindindi Shire Council, he knew exactly where he belonged.

“I was looking for my dream job, and this was kind of my dream job,” he said.

He just needed a way in.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, delivered by APM, that pathway began to take shape. Marissa saw Angus’s potential straight away.

“Angus had great work ethic… worked hard and had some real strengths in practical tasks,” she said.

Together, they worked closely with the Shire to turn that aspiration into reality building a role that suited Angus’s strengths and putting the right support in place to help him succeed.

“Angus needed a mentor,” Marissa explained.

“And the Shire Council was able to put in place that mentor to build his strengths and support him.”

There was practical support too - with transport, onboarding and regular check-ins - but it was the persistence that made the difference.

“They just kept working and working at it,” Rob said.

“We’ve just got to keep trying… because that’s where he belongs.”

When the opportunity came, Angus was ready.

Today, he works at the Alexandra Resource Recovery Centre in a role that keeps him active, outdoors and part of a team.

“I do all sorts of stuff like maintenance… tidying up around the yard… and just a bit of everything,” he said.

His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“Angus was super polite, always on time,” said his team leader Michael.

“His customer feedback’s as good as you will get… he’s really consistent with his work.”

More than that, his confidence has grown.

“He’s a lot more confident now… he’s definitely come a long way,” Michael said.

That transformation has changed more than just his working life.

Angus is now saving for a home. “I’m being busy saving up all my money for a house eventually,” he said.

He’s proud of what he’s built.

“I am proud of myself as well,” he said.

And he knows he’s exactly where he’s meant to be. “This is definitely my dream job.”

For his dad, the change is deeply personal.

“It’s made him feel a part of the community… and it’s giving him a purpose for his days,” Rob said.

From being shy and unsure, Angus now speaks to people with confidence, connects with others and takes pride in his work.

His independence, once something hoped for, is now part of everyday life.

And the future?

“I feel pretty positive… about the future,” Angus said.

• Explore support available for job seekers with disability at Inclusive Employment Australia.