By BRIDGET COOK
CONAN Bila has always struggled to find positive employment opportunities in the past.
But the Cranbourne resident’s luck changed this year when local business Alpheys Garage decided to take him on board, making him one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a mechanic.
Conan has Aspergers, an autism spectrum disorder, which is characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication.
Because of this, Conan has struggled in the past to find employment that has been suitable and fulfilling for him.
Carol Harrington from recruitment agency Outlook Employment, which helps people with disability, injury or illness to find and maintain employment, found Conan the job at Alpheys Garage about two months ago.
“Due to his disability, Conan can only work walking distances from his home as he does not have a driver’s licence and does not catch public transport,” Ms Harrington said.
After finding out Conan’s ambitions, Ms Harrignton approached business owner Ian Alphey as a potential employer.
Mr Alphey agreed to take Conan on as a factory cleaner and has been very happy with his new employee so far.
“We are absolutely stocked he is working here,” he said.
“We get the sense he was not appreciated for what he does in the past.
“Conan has a long term ambition to become a mechanic.
“He stays back and watches what the others are doing out of his own time. All going well, I think he will pick things up.”
Conan has previously worked as a pamphlet deliverer and a car detailer.
He said he prefers the environment at Alpheys Garage, which allows him to structure his day around set times.
“The job has turned out really well,” he said.
“The people are really nice and I sometimes come in now just to say hello on my time off.”
Outlook Employment wanted to highlight this success story to encourage other local businesses to consider employing someone with a disability.
Ms Harrington said hiring someone with a disability added diversity to workplaces.
“If they have the skills and ability to do the job then why not hire them,” she said.
“People with a disability also statistically have higher retention and attendance rates.
“Employment is life changing.
“It’s not so much for the money, but for the social aspects. They can be part of the community and make genuine contributions.”
Outlook Employment has offices in Cranbourne, Narre Warren and Pakenham.
To find out more or get in contact with someone about employment visit www.outlookemp.org.au.
