APM had been strengthening its connection with the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), working to reach players at a community level by sponsoring the SANFL Inclusive League.
Their goal was to show up, be visible and make support easy to access.
“It’s always been a massive goal of ours to be able to reach these clubs at a ground level and introduce ourselves to the players and get a presence amongst the clubs,” Josh, APM Torrentsville Business Manager shared.
It was here that Ben’s path shifted.
Like anyone searching for employment, he faced the nerves that come with change.
“Everyone who's looking for new employment, there's always the similar challenges, whether it be anxiety… or meeting new people,” Josh said.
But Ben didn’t back away. “Ben really took those challenges head on.”
APM Business Development Manager in South Australia, Adam, shared how their relationship with local employers opened new opportunities for Ben when he joined APM Employment Services looking for support.
“I’ve known Ben for a few years now,” he said.
“We’ve placed Ben into one of my really good employers, Mr B’s Landscaping and Gardening, for a couple of years now. They regard Ben as a really integral part of their team.”
Ben feels the same way.
“I like working at Mr B’s because they’re very inclusive,” he explains.
In landscaping, he found not only a job, but a place where he could contribute, learn and be valued for who he is.
With APM’s support, he took another step forward.
“I’m studying Certificate 3 in landscape construction at TAFE SA. Going through APM it’s quite easy,” he says. The journey has been manageable because he’s never had to face it alone.
“They’ve been really supportive of me. They understand my disability.”
Adam says APM’s support recognises that people with disability bring strengths that employers sometimes overlook.
“People that have a disability bring a completely different sense of character to employment.
“Everyone deserves an opportunity… there is a job out there for you. And that’s what APM can do to help and support.”
“An employer should not be missing out on great candidates like Ben and thousands of other candidates that we get into employment each year that have a disability.”
“It’s quite a range of stuff that APM has helped me with,” Ben adds.
Ben’s journey continues, and like any good footy player, he’s running forward with purpose.
With new skills under his belt, a supportive employer by his side and APM in his corner, he’s building a future shaped by opportunity rather than limitation.
