Barriers
When Andrew Shaw arrived at OCTEC DES Gosford, Central Coast, in June 2019, he faced significant challenges with anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and autism spectrum disorder.
Despite his strong background in business and marketing, alongside diverse volunteer experiences in video editing, administration, kitchen duties and customer service roles, Andrew was unsuccessful in maintaining ongoing employment. He had the skills and work experience but Andrew couldn’t find a job that understood him and his disability.
Approaching OCTEC
Recognising the need for a tailored approach, Andrew connected with OCTEC career consultant, Stacey. Andrew and Stacey collaborated and determined what type of job would accommodate Andrew’s disabilities. Anxiety was one of the biggest focuses, so Stacey proposed finding employment closer to home on the Central Coast to alleviate Andrew’s concerns about long-distance travel.
Shortly thereafter, another OCTEC consultant informed Stacey about a marketing and sales support officer position available at Marine Protection Systems, a local business in Gosford. Realising that Andrew’s qualifications and experience aligned perfectly with the role, Stacey reached out to the business to promote him for this ideal opportunity.
Jessica and Brian from Marine Protection Systems were eager to meet Andrew. To create a comfortable environment, they arranged a “meet and greet” in their office, accompanied by Stacey. A few days prior to the meeting, Stacey provided Andrew with the job description, allowing him to familiarise himself with the role and prepare informed questions. Stacey also wanted Andrew to look the part for his meeting and organised on behalf of OCTEC, business pants and a shirt.
Finding employment
During the interview, Andrew impressed Jessica and Brian with his relevant skills and suitability for the position. Their positive interaction led to a job offer, and Stacey noted the strong rapport they established from the start. This led to Andrew officially commencing his new role on March 9, 2020.
OCTEC remained committed to providing ongoing support for Andrew post-employment. It was crucial to ensure he was enjoying his job, connecting well with his colleagues, and receiving the necessary assistance.
Weekly feedback from both Andrew and Marine Protection Systems consistently reflected positive experiences. One notable observation was Andrew’s professional and social growth while in the role.
Several months into his employment, Andrew reached out to Stacey for assistance in purchasing an E-bike, as he was depending on his parents for transportation. He sought an alternative to public transport, which had proven challenging. OCTEC facilitated the purchase of a Leitner E-bike, enabling Andrew to travel independently to and from work.
Reflecting on his journey, Andrew was incredibly grateful for OCTEC’s support before and post-employment.
“When I came to OCTEC, aside from some assistant editing video work I’d done, I hadn’t had a job in 10 years. My job and the E-Bike are just fantastic.”
ANDREW SHAW
If you live with a disability, illness, or injury and are looking for work, please feel free to reach out to your local employment specialists for assistance.