Shannon pesters his dad to bring him in earlier to work
Not many people can say they love their job like that.
But Shannon does, and the feeling with his employer is mutual.
Since he’s started at Fins Seafood in North Coogee, Perth – he’s been a hit with his colleagues and his bosses.
His employer Asher marvels at the positive impact hiring Shannon has had for Fins Seafood:
“People check their watches wondering when Shannon’s coming in, everyone’s happy to see him”
In fact, Shannon impressed APM and his employers so much that he has featured in our latest Employment Services campaign advertisements!
"Shannon has fitted in with our business perfectly"
Breaking out of long-term unemployment
Like any job seeker, Shannon came up against several barriers to employment.
Shannon lives with Down Syndrome, he had work experience, but hadn’t secured the opportunity he needed.
In late-2019 he approached APM for help to overcome his biggest barrier – long-term unemployment.
Shannon’s Employment Consultant Max supported him from the start of his journey:
“He did struggle applying for work and creating a resume on his own” he said.
“Shannon just wasn’t getting that leg-up - that’s where APM came in and helped him achieve those goals.”
After helping Shannon put together a resume of all his work experiences, Max got to work with Shannon to market him to employers, even joining Shannon to canvass local businesses on foot.
Eventually Max approached Fins Seafood and after a few conversations we went from there and got Shannon into a role.
That initial conversation was over half a year ago now, and the benefits are evident:
“Shannon is a lot more confident, he’s happy, he loves his routine” Max said.
As part of the weekly post-placement support APM provide, Max follows up with Shannon, his Dad and with Fins.
The feedback from Shannon’s employer Asher, is glowing, with his colleagues all looking forward to seeing Shannon each shift.
“I feel good here” Shannon said “I’m happy working here.”
The Disability Employment Service program by APM has not only secured Shannon fulfilling work, it’s made him a star at work and on TV!
A perfect fit for Fins
This was the first time Fins Seafood had hired an employee with disability, Asher spoke honestly about the beginning of their experience with Shannon:
“We weren’t sure what he was going to be able to do when he first started.”
Asher said “Shannon’s probably one of our most popular team members now.”
Fins were guided through the process by Employment Consultants Max and Dani, with Asher remarking how easy the process was.
“Our experience dealing with Shannon has been exceptional” Asher agreed “If there’s other businesses where people like Shannon could fit, I recommend it 100%.”
Shannon really has become more than just another employee at Fins – from bringing sweet treats for his colleagues on Fridays, to enjoying lunch with his colleague Phil on Tuesdays – he brings an infectious, happy energy to work every day.
“Shannon can really lighten the mood and brought us all together, he’s really good for our morale” Asher said.
Job well done, all around!
APM is the largest provider of Disability Employment Services in Australia.
With more than 500 locations across the country we help more people into work than anyone else.
We know how hard it is to find work when you’re facing other challenges. We don’t just want you to find a job, we want to help you change your life for the better.
When you come to APM we get to know you so we can help you get the support that’s right for you.
We help you set realistic goals and keep you focused on finding a job that works for you.
There’s a job out there for you.
Let’s go find it.
Disability Employment Services (DES) is an initiative by the Australian Government to help people with an injury, illness or disability find and keep a job.
This can include helping people to:
- manage health issues that may be making it hard to get work
- identifying their strengths and work capabilities
- developing skills for jobs and being part of a workplace
- succeed when they start a new job with further information and support
APM is Australia’s largest contracted provider of Disability Employment Services and we deliver support programs to eligible people across the country.
You can join APM for Disability Employment Services through Centrelink.
When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you're eligible, they will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider. Remember to ask to join APM so you get the best service when searching for employment.
To be eligible for Disability Employment Services, you must be:
- An Australian resident aged from 14 to 65
- Receiving an income support payment, disability support pension, an NDIS participant or an eligible school leaver
- Able to work between eight to 30 hours per week (with support when required)
- Not studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)
- Not already working at or above your assessed work capacity
If you're already receiving an income support payment, you can also register with us directly.
If you’re with another provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to you.
When you register with APM for Disability Employment Services, we will contact you to confirm your eligibility and invite you for your first appointment.
You will get a local employment consultant who knows the employers, businesses and job opportunities near you.
They will listen to you and build a plan that takes into account your health, personal circumstances, interests and any skills or experience you may have.
Your plan will be unique to you and include steps to help with:
- building your confidence
- writing your resume and job applications
- searching for suitable jobs with potential employers
- preparing for interviews
- access to services to manage health issues or barriers to work
With APM, you get the support, you get the skills and you get the rewards of having a valuable job.
Don’t miss out on a program made just for you, by one of Australia’s best-rated providers.
APM has some of the highest job placement rates in the country.
You can transfer to your nearest APM team in three easy steps:
- Call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260
- Ask to transfer to APM
- Accept our invite to your first meeting
Join the thousands of APM job seekers who change their lives every year by finding valuable employment.
APM is Australia's largest provider of Disability Employment Services and we have more than 500 locations nationwide.
You can find your nearest APM team on our
Find Us page.
No matter where you’re at in life, your skills or experience or the challenges you face, you can make great steps towards finding your next job by taking time today to prepare for work.
We have all seen the disruption to businesses, communities and our day to day lives in 2020.
Many businesses in our communities have closed their doors, but many others are looking for people to join their team right now.
If you’re eligible for our Disability Employment Services program, we can help match you to available roles or assist you in developing your job seeking skills and employment capability.
We’ve adapted our program delivery so we can carry out meetings and appointments safely via phone or online.
This includes many activities we set up for you as part of your individual Job Plan to improve your progress to employment.
We may not be able to meet in person, shake your hand or give you an over-the-top high-five when you succeed.
But we’re still here for you and we’re ready to help you overcome life’s unexpected challenges and celebrate your life-changing win.
Speak to us about opening your door to employment
“Shannon's colleagues love seeing him meet his goals"