Eddie’s story is a great example of what a young person with disability can achieve with the right support at each stage of their employment journey. From building skills at school to exploring different industries and landing a job he loves, Eddie is now progressing from receiving NDIS employment supports to open employment through Disability Employment Services (DES) at Help. His journey reflects what’s possible when the right supports are in place – another powerful example of Help’s One Door to Open Many.

You might recall Eddie’s story from last year, when he started working with his Help coach while still at school. We shared his journey of growth and discovery as he built confidence, developed workplace and social skills, completed a hospitality course, and tried his hand as a barista – which proved to be more of a hobby than a career path. 

Our work together continued as Eddie wanted to explore other industries. For a young people with disability, trying various roles and opportunities could be incredibly helpful in learning more about themselves and their interests – as well as strengthening essential work skills. With the right supports in place, each individual will find what suits them best as there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. 

For some, starting from NDIS employment supports such as Youth Employment Assistance as an opportunity to discover their interests while building key work skills could be the best journey. For others, Supported Employment, where you try various roles in an inclusive workplace with specific supports to help develop skills, could be better. In other cases, jumping to Disability Employment Services and working towards open employment with expert guidance is beneficial.  

In fact, for many of Help’s customers using more than one of these programs at different stages of their employment journey could bring the best outcomes – whether or not NDIS employment supports are available. Because there’s no right or wrong approach – there’s a personalised one.  

Eddie’s path is one example

Throughout Eddie’s journey, he’d expressed interest in construction and woodwork. With that in mind, he and his new coach Miranda looked for hands-on experience in the field.

Exploring options closer to home, Eddie began work experience at a commercial fitout business. He enjoyed it thoroughly, and after the 6-week program ended, Eddie and Miranda tried paid employment at the same business.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible. “Something like this can be a huge setback for a young person with a disability in their confidence and motivation towards work. However, I’m glad I was there with Eddie as we were able to keep his momentum and took this setback as a learning opportunity,” Miranda said.

Moving forward

While Help’s Social Enterprise in Ipswich has some woodwork available, it wouldn’t be a practical location for Eddie as he lives on the Gold Coast. 

So, Eddie and Miranda explored a similar opportunity with Endeavour Foundation closer to his location – and this time, it led to a job offer at the end of the work experience. “This was fantastic because we believe this opportunity will be more inclusive and long-term for Eddie,” explained Miranda. 

Eddie has just begun his new role, and Miranda already noticed the transition has been natural. She believes that being valued by the team helped rebuild his confidence. Eddie agrees: “It’s a friendly environment and I feel like I have a purpose,” he says. “My work with Miranda helped me get into conversations with other people more easily, and now it’s easier for me to talk to colleagues.” 

As he settles into open employment, we’re now transitioning him to Disability Employment Services (DES) with Help’s team in Oxenford. In the meantime, he and Miranda continue working together in weekly sessions focused on travel training, so Eddie can get to work more independently – while still using his NDIS employment supports.

“I’m so proud of Eddie and his progress, and also really honoured that I’ve been able to support him through such a crucial stage of his life,” Miranda reflects. “The transition from a school to work for someone who has a disability can be challenging if they don’t build skills, set a routine and find a job they love.” 

If you missed Eddie’s early days and journey with Help, click here to read more about how it all started. 

Eddie’s is one of the many paths possible when you find the right supports to guide you on your unique journey to employment. If you or someone you care about would like to receive tailored support to find employment, we can help. Contact us today!