William came to atWork Australia’s Workforce Australia office in Menai, NSW, to get tailored support on his employment journey. At the initial appointment, where William met his Job Coach, Kaniz, he shared that he had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and that he had received a referral to Disability Employment Services. However, William refused to be referred to Disability Employment Services, he wanted to be serviced as a Workforce Australia client. Kaniz assured William that we were here to support him in any way possible to achieve his employment goals.
William has barriers with communication, planning and socialising. During the first few appointments, William would look down and not make eye contact with his Job Coach, Kaniz. He would only communicate through his mother. Over time, Kaniz worked at building a stronger relationship and earning William’s trust. Gradually, William began to make eye contact with Kaniz, then he started to open up and communicate with his Job Coach without his mother’s encouragement. Previously, William’s mother would do all the communicating, but as the pair began to build a stronger relationship, William now leads the conversation.
In the early stages, Kaniz listened at length to learn more about William, his goals, and what he wanted to achieve. After many conversations, discussing William’s options and various employment opportunities, Kaniz, William, and his mother all agreed that employment was the best option moving forward.
William advised that he had previously completed a Bachelor of Computer Science through the University of NSW, and he wanted to pursue a career path that would utilise his current skill set.
Off the back of a team effort of applying for and following up various opportunities, William secured a video interview with Services Australia. In preparation for the interview, William and his Job Coach, Kaniz, practice mock interviews, this gave William an opportunity to build his confidence to communicate his skills and abilities in an interview. William’s hard work paid off; he was offered full-time employment. Kaniz, said, “I am so happy to see William secure a full-time job in a field he loves. He now has a secure future.”
atWork Australia have enjoyed supporting William on his journey and look forward to watching him progress through out his career.
“Success comes from being prepared and making the most of your opportunities,” said William.
Every year, atWork Australia help thousands of clients like William, 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.