There are 2.2 million Australians living with disability who are of working age, but Australians with disability are under-represented in the workforce. In fact, the employment rate for people with disability is almost half compared to those without disability.
During the week of 25 – 29 November 2019, echo participated in AccessAbility Day – a new Australian Government initiative developed to connect jobseekers with disability and employers.
AccessAbility Day is a voluntary, obligation free day for employers to have an opportunity to see the potential jobseekers with disability can bring to the workplace and learn about available Government support.
On Tuesday 26th November 2019, echo partnered with Club Officer to provide four job seekers with the opportunity to gain work experience in the Club Bistro, but they left such an impression, two of them are set to walk away with a job.
Pakenham Racing Club People and Culture Manager Tanya Ritson said in an article with the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette it was a “great day and a perfect opportunity” to offer work experience to the four enthusiastic job seekers.
“As a community club and employer, where we can help people in our community, we do and it’s really nice that we’re able to support them,” Ms Ritson.
Ms Ritson told the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette that she was so impressed with the jobseekers, she’s committed to offering two of the participants ongoing casual employment.
“It’s important that employers are looking at things a bit more broadly to see what they can do to help people.
“We can always teach people how to do the job, whether it be serving people or carrying plates, but we can’t teach people the right work ethic, honesty and teamwork.”
echo are proud to partner with organisation’s like Club Officer who are willing to jump on board great initiatives like AccessAbility Day to offer employment opportunities to well-deserved job seekers.
If you would like to participate in AccessAbility Day next year or are interested in providing employment opportunities for job seekers with disability, contact us today.
Read the full article by Pakenham-Berwick Gazette here: https://pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/news/2019-12-02/jobs-for-all-abilities/
