For some, the journey of finding fulfilling employment can be filled with challenges and uncertainties. However, for Amy, a long-time employee at Barkuma, the opportunity for growth and change represents an exciting new chapter in her career story.
Supported Employment to Open Employment
Barkuma has been a pillar of support for employees with disabilities for over 30 years, providing a supportive environment where individuals thrive. Within their supported employment model, Barkuma provides essential resources such as career coaching and guidance on open employment, facilitated by specialised staff from their Disability Employment Services (DES) team. This dual approach enables employees, like Amy, to pursue their goals and aspirations for open employment while benefiting from the continued support they know.
“I’ve been at Barkuma a very long time, and I wanted to change it up,” Amy shares, reflecting on her decision to seek new opportunities. While her initial focus was on finding a role related to books, Amy found herself open to exploring other options when opportunities in that area were limited. “I felt positive to give it a go,” she adds, demonstrating her willingness to embrace the unknown.
New Opportunities
With the encouragement of her key worker Nicole, Amy participated in a work trial with Cultivate Food and Beverage. “When she showed me the Cultivate poster, I knew I wanted to give it a try,” Amy recalls. During the trial, she engaged in hands-on tasks such as weighing chocolates—an experience that brought its own set of temptations. “It was tempting not to eat them!” she laughs, highlighting the fun and challenges of the job. Amy quickly adapted to the pace of the work, operating a large sealer machine and placing finished products onto pallets. “The log cakes went in really fast!” she notes, showcasing her ability to handle the fast-paced environment. Following a successful work experience, Amy interviewed for the position and couldn’t contain her excitement when she received the news: “I got the job! I start in July!”
Although the work environment felt different, Amy is optimistic about her new experience. “It’s a bit smaller but still an enjoyable workplace,” she says, expressing her readiness to adapt to the change.
As Amy discusses her employment goals, her enthusiasm shines through. “I want to get out of my comfort zone, try different things, and meet new people,” she shares confidently. And as with any journey, she recognises the importance of having a plan B: “If I don’t like it, I have a backup plan – I can always stay at Barkuma.”
Her story serves as an inspiration for others who may be hesitant about pursuing open employment. “If anyone else wants to give open employment a go, I suggest being yourself, trying your best, and just giving it a chance,” she advises. “At the end of the day, a job is just a job – you can make your own choice. Look at me now, I have two jobs!”
As Amy embarks on this next chapter, she proves that stepping outside one’s comfort zone is not only rewarding but also a way to flourish both personally and professionally. With her dual support from Barkuma Commercial Services and DES, she stands as a beacon of hope for others, demonstrating that with determination and the right supports, anything is possible.
Get more information:
Phone: 8414 7100
Email: barkuma@barkuma.com.au
Find out more about Barkuma’s Employment Supports