Thando joined Omnia Inclusive in October 2021, and since then, he has made incredible strides both personally and professionally. After leaving school, Thando joined our youth NDIS services building his employment, independence, and social skills. After 2 years he then transitioned to our Disability Employment Services program with the goal of securing meaningful employment. Living with autism, Thando has always been eager to gain more independence and develop the skills needed for a successful future.
Read on to hear Thando’s own account of his experience with Omnia Inclusive.
The Omnia Inclusive team supported my goal of securing long-term employment. They initially helped with preparing my resume, which we then dropped at several businesses around the Central Coast. They also helped me with preparation for interviews, what to expect during interviews, and how to answer questions properly to be successful. These skills helped boost my confidence, something I desperately needed.
As a result, I was invited to trial and gain work experience with several businesses across the Central Coast. This helped prove my ability to participate in meaningful employment. All this hard work paid off in January 2024 when an employment opportunity with West Gosford McDonald’s came up. Beau (Omnia Inclusive’s Career Consultant) helped me with final preparations. He supported my interview process, which I was both very anxious and excited about.
I was successful at the interview and was thereafter offered the Crew Member job, which was quite a relief. I started working in dining rooms and across most parts of the business, including the drive-thru. Adam, my Workplace Consultant, was always available to provide one-on-one support when I started, ensuring I was getting used to my new role and answering any questions I might have had. He also helped build my skills working with different team members.
I find my work both enjoyable and exciting but can also be challenging, especially during busy meal periods. I’m not big on breakfast; however, processing drive-thru customers’ orders — their first and most important meal of the day — and thereafter seeing smiles on their faces has been the most rewarding. Everyone loves a fresh “Maccas Big Breaky!”
I am truly grateful for the support Omnia provided and wouldn’t have been able to gain employment without their assistance.
His parents also share their pride in his journey. They reflect on how pivotal the support from Omnia Inclusive has been, saying,
“We have no words to articulate clearly enough our genuine pleasure watching him grow to be the independent and confident young adult he is. His ongoing development continues to surprise us and he wouldn’t have been able to achieve his goals and importantly, prosper in the workplace without foundational support and encouragement Omnia Inclusive provided over the last few years”. – Thando’s parents
Thando’s journey with Omnia Inclusive has been incredible. With the team’s support, he built important skills, earned certifications, and landed a full-time job at McDonald’s. His progress shows how much he’s grown and how determined he is to achieve independence and success.
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