Natural talents and interests help Aeron land his new job at inclusive employer, Officeworks
Aeron, who has an intellectual disability, Asperger’s and epilepsy, found work in a serendipitous way. After visiting Officeworks in Ringwood as a WISE job seeker to explore potential opportunities, he found himself supporting a customer who required advice on a modem. Within a few minutes that modem was sold. Unbeknown to Aeron, the Store Manager, Brendan, witnessed him in action, and at that point, destiny took over. Aeron has been working at Officeworks Ringwood ever since.
After being unemployed for two years, Aeron learned of WISE Employment’s services at a pop-up stall in a shopping centre. It was there that he introduced himself to Chris, Disability Employment Specialist for WISE, and the process of reviewing Aeron’s skillset, interests and job prospects began.
“I learnt there were different roles and different types of jobs. I would meet with WISE to talk about a role and say ‘yes’ to ones that interested me. Chris helped build my confidence for interviews and encouraged me to wear comfortable black shoes and pants for each interview,” said Aeron.
Aeron has taken on a multi-faceted role at the Ringwood store and his Manager, Brendan, has seen immediate growth, also believing that not even Aeron is aware of his potential.
“Aeron is an amazing employee. His confidence has grown so quickly, especially with people. He understands the expectations of our company; he is literal and excellent with process and structure. Aeron takes on many different tasks from customer service to price changes which happen multiple times daily. His manner with customer returns and troubleshooting with tech products is also incredible.
“Aeron’s dedication to the job has led us to offer him permanent part time work. I can also see him take on a leadership role within Officeworks one day,” explained Brendan.
For Aeron, he equally sings his peers’ praises and is grateful that he was given a chance.
“I lost my motivation when I was unemployed, especially when people would say they’ve found someone else for the job. Officeworks is a good company that likes me. You want a job that is long term, no one judges you and everyone is friendly. I have finally found that. It pays well too,” said Aeron.
Aeron enjoys heading into work and seeing what the day brings. With no day at Officeworks the same, this is just how Aeron like it, and he looks forward to a long and rewarding experience at his new place of work.
Read more: New Employment Partnership with Officeworks goes national
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