Karel connected with atWork Australia, Disability Employment Services in Arundel, QLD looking for a new full-time job before the arrival of his first child later this year.
He had an accident which left Karel with the use of his right arm only.
Karel felt judged during job interviews. He felt he was written off by employers before they even spoke to him just because his arm was in a sling.
He started working with Job Coach, Mark, who connected Karel with local Employer Engagement Consultant, Tracey.
“Many people see someone with one arm and assume what he can’t do. Karel insists he can do everything a person with two arms can do,” said Tracey.
“We wanted to refer him to an employer to run a pool shop in Robina. I asked him if he could move a palette of bags of salt by himself every day and carry bags of salt out to the cars for the elderly customers. His answer was ‘Yes, great that will save me having to go to the gym.’ I asked Karel what he lifts at the gym with his good arm, and he said 80kg!”
Karel is also a member of the Gold Coast Titans Disability Rugby League team and is travelling to England, for three weeks in October, to play Rugby for Australia.
“When I spoke to the employer, I said you will be surprised at what I will tell you about the person I have found for you, but I think you will find he is more capable than most people you will meet.”
“I asked the employer to give Karel an entire day’s work trial to show what he can really do, and she agreed,” said Tracey.
The employer also had another candidate who had interviewed for the role, but after Karel’s trial his co-workers provided lots of good feedback and praise for Karel’s work and he landed the role.
“After his trial, Karel stayed back to learn more about the role and the business which also showed the employer his determination and capability,” said Job Coach Mark.
“Karel has so much potential and works so hard. It was so rewarding to have an employer that also recognised this, to offer him a role with their company,” said Mark.
Karel was ‘over the moon’ when he found out about his new role as he can now start to buy items for his new baby and support his partner.
Every year, atWork Australia helps thousands of clients like Karel expand their skills and qualifications to help them gain the right job with the right employer. Call us today on 1300 080 856 or enquire online to find out how we can help you meet your career goals.
