Damian’s journey is a great example of how accessing youth employment services at the right time can make a world of difference in the life of a young person with disability.

In early 2024, Damian began his journey with Help through Youth Employment Assistance (previously known as School Leaver Employment Supports or SLES)^*. Working closely with his coach Alex, his goals were to improve his communication and social skills, explore different industries to discover what kind of work suited him, and build foundational workplace skills like following instructions, time management, and working as part of a team – all while growing his independence.

“When we first met, Damian was quite reserved and wanted to discover what he liked – and what he didn’t – so he could find a job he’d thrive in,” recalls Alex.

From there, youth employment services started with coaching sessions focused on identifying his interests and building social and communication skills. Using Help’s Pre-Employment Skills Workbooks, they also explored career planning, interview techniques, and resume and cover letter writing.

“Working closely with participants allows us to tailor sessions to their interests and communication style, so we build trust and rapport – which in turn, get us closer to addressing their main needs or barriers to finding employment,” explains Alex.

^*The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has transitioned from using “School Leaver Employment Supports” (SLES) to “Employment Assistance” as the line item under Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job budget (3.10).

Diverse opportunities to try – and master

Damian’s first experience in a workplace setting came through Help’s Supply Chain in Ipswich. “This hands-on experience allowed Damian to develop workplace skills and build confidence in a safe and inclusive setting,” remembers Alex.

While he enjoyed the experience, he soon realised he wanted to explore other options. Since Damian had mentioned to Alex his interests in being outdoors, Alex arranged work experience with the Australian Environmental Landscaping. There, Damian took on tasks like gardening, mowing, watering plants, and planting. To further his opportunities in this field, he also successfully obtained his Construction White Card.

However, Damian was still eager to explore more – and rather than seeing this as a setback, he and Alex embraced it as a step forward in understanding his true career path. Being supported through our youth employment services meant Damian had the flexibility and guidance to try different industries and use this time to discover what really sparked his interests.

Lights, camera, confidence!

Together, they explored new opportunities, leading him to Limelight Cinema in Ipswich. “I knew from our sessions together that cinema was one of Damian’s passions. So, I approached a connection I had at Limelight, and Damian and I went on to explore this opportunity together,” says Alex.

At first, Damian preferred behind-the-scenes tasks and wasn’t comfortable interacting with guests. “To honour his wishes, we started slowly with non-customer facing tasks, but worked together to build his confidence. As he became more open to try new things and challenge himself, he started serving popcorn and drinks, checking guests’ tickets, and directing them to their correct cinema room,” proudly tells Alex.

Damian acknowledges that, although challenging at first, he’s happy to feel more at ease around guests. “It feels really good to be less nervous around people and working as part of a team,” he says. He goes on to share that he’s also proud of himself for “taking initiative and being motivated to do jobs without being asked.”

His motivation was noted by his manager, Robbie Dalton, as he tells us that “one of Damian’s biggest strengths is his eagerness to learn. He’s always looking to grow and improve, often following Keven around to deepen his understanding of projection. His curiosity and commitment to learning are really commendable,” he says.

Robbie adds that “Damian has contributed positively to the team through his reliable attitude and willingness to step in wherever needed. He’s adaptable, maintains his friendly personality even when working under pressure, and brings great energy to the group – he’s become a dependable team member we can count on.”

Improving never stops

Damian has been gaining hands-on experience at Limelight Cinema once a week for around six hours, and after a few months in this role, his efforts have made a real impression. “Damian puts 100% of effort in everything he does. His dedication and work ethic have really stood out,” he says.

As Damian progresses in his role, he’s receiving youth employment services from his coach Alex as needed to keep building his confidence and skills – with hopes that a paid position might become available. In the meantime, he and Alex are applying for other positions as Damian’s plans include “getting a paid job and earning my own money.”

Alex says Damian’s journey and resilience have been inspiring. “It’s incredibly rewarding to walk alongside him and see how far he’s come. He’s clearly more confident now, and by being open to new people and experiences, he’s showing he has what it takes to land the job he wants,” reflects Alex.

As he sets new personal and professional goals, he’s working actively towards achieving them, and is currently studying to obtain his driver’s license. And that’s not all: “I also want to book a holiday – I’d love to go to LA,” he says.

Find your path

Damian’s journey is a great example of what it means to try different paths to find your passion – with tailored youth employment services and guidance. You don’t need to have all the answers – we’re here to help you find them!

Our post-school pathways and disability services are tailored to support your goals and accommodate a variety of disabilities and health conditions. Contact us today!