Link December 2018 Volume 27 Issue 6 | Page 57

When Lachlan started looking for a job towards the end of Year 12 at Mt Maria College, his mother, Chris, suggested he contact Mylestones Employment. “They were working with Lachlan, looking for different positions. One case manager helped Lachlan through the whole process: went with him, took him through the interview process, helped him with paperwork and, at times, he visited him on-site to make sure everything was okay,” Chris says. “I had the opportunity to get to know my case worker well, to talk a little bit about my education at school, what I really like to do, and what my skills are,” Lachlan adds. Like many young people entering the workforce for the first time, Lachlan admits to a few rocky patches but says his Mylestones Employment case manager would check in with him regularly to give him advice – everything from how to check his roster online to how to raise an issue with his supervisor. “It was very challenging at the start where I got a little bit frustrated, a little bit confused. That’s when I asked my manager a few questions about it (and) they helped me in the right direction,” says Lachlan – who’s chalked up over 12 months at Kmart. “When I got my first paycheck, I was very surprised and shaking actually. It changed me. Getting the job at the right time after leaving high school, (I could) start to get into saving and get into the real world like everyone else.” Lachlan has since completed a Certificate II in Retail and still meets with his Mylestones Employment case manager to map out a career path and find ways to turn his dreams into a reality. “Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to work in the public transport industry in customer service; telling people where to go, how to help them on their journey. “But the most exciting job that I’d really like to get in the future is working as a train driver at Queensland Rail. “I’ve always loved how the trains operate: how they work, what railway lines they go on and how they run on time, which is very important.” Mylestones Employment believes everyone has the right to work and they are focused on building more opportunities for people like Lachlan, with barriers and disabilities, to find work, earn an income, gain independence, develop new skills and follow their passions. What makes Mylestones Employment different is their focus on investing in people, rather than simply filling vacancies. Further information about employment support and Lachlan’s story is available by calling 1300 635 627 or visiting www.myemployment.org.au Start today! Call us on or visit 1300 635 627 myemployment.org.au