Mature age jobseekers are a key focus of OCTEC’s Disability Employment Services. More than 60% of our DES participants are aged 45 and older.
Allan McMillan was in his fifties in late 2023, when he came to OCTEC DES in Wentworth, Western NSW. Due to complications with his diabetes, Allan had both his lower legs amputated, and this had a significant impact on his confidence and self-belief.
At OCTEC, Allan worked with consultant Allison Allen. Despite his disability, Allison found Allan to be friendly and willing to give anything a try. Allan was eager to get back and working, so Allison assisted him to update his résumé and began contacting employers.
Allison met with the owner of a local takeaway shop, presenting Allan’s résumé and offering a Biz Support package – including a DSS wage subsidy – to assist with their costs. Allison arranged for a chair to be provided for Allan, to allow him to rest during quieter periods at the store. Allan was hired to work at Kiely Take-Away on a part-time basis. Through post-placement support, Allison was able to reassure both Allan and his employer that assistance was available whenever required.
Allan is now doing what he loves – working with store customers and sharing a yarn.
“The best thing about OCTEC is they got me back out into the community, and gave me a bit of my self-esteem and self-worth back, and my independence as well.”
Allan McMillan