Leaif's career is blooming with Bunnings inclusive employment partnership

Eager to work but hampered by complexities of online application forms, Leaif came to APM Employment Services with a determination to find a good job he could enjoy.

Living with a learning disability, Leaif was able to gain tailored support to prepare for and find a job through Disability Employment Services with APM’s Gympie team.

He started the program by sharing his desire to work outdoors with plants – even though he had little experience and was unsure how to achieve his goal.

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Two Bunnings employees with an APM consultant outside the hardware store

He started the program by sharing his desire to work outdoors with plants – even though he had little experience and was unsure how to achieve his goal.

APM Employment Consultant Robyn quickly got to work with Leaif to find the right opportunity.

Contact with several local nurseries was unsuccessful, but during a routine trip to Bunnings, Robyn noticed the hardware retailer was making steps to increase inclusive employment for people with disability – and APM was working on trialling a new recruitment process with the organisation.

Robyn put Leaif forward as an ideal candidate for the inclusive employment initiative and he became the first DES participant to try the new recruitment process.

Leaif had support with the application and was invited to meet the Bunnings team in a job interview.

The team quickly recognised his enthusiasm, and after completing reference checks, he was offered a job.

As part of his program with APM, Leaif had Robyn for support during his induction.

He was then placed in the Lifestyles team for four days a week in the nursery – exactly the role he was hoping for.

In the months since his first day Leaif has thrived in the role.

With regular contact with the APM team he is excited to share his progress.

His confidence has grown, and he has discovered a newfound enjoyment in customer service, something he never expected.

“It gave me a whole new career perspective, I think Bunnings was my calling,” Leaif said.

As he approaches six-months at Bunnings, Leaif's journey has not only been a personal triumph but has also strengthened APM’s partnership with Bunnings, supporting future opportunities for people with disability to find work in a supportive environment.