Jobs for all abilities

Marina with Joel from Club Officer. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 201447_02

By Mitchell Clarke

Four jobseekers were recruited for a shift at Club Officer as part of AccessAbility Day where they were able to complete work experience alongside experienced staff, but they left such an impression, two of them are set to walk away with a job.

The initiative allows employers to connect with jobseekers who have disabilities in a win-win situation where workplaces are able to explore the concept of employing a person with a disability while also providing a valuable opportunity for participants to gain an insight into the industry they wish to pursue further employment in.

On Tuesday 26 November, in partnership with Echo Australia, Marina, Kenpreet, Eang and Zohreh put on an apron and assisted the Club Officer crew in helping in the Bistro which included seating and serving guests through to the washing of dishes and clean up.

Pakenham Racing Club people and culture manager Tanya Ritson said it was a “great day and a perfect opportunity” to offer work experience to the four enthusiastic job seekers.

“As a community club and employer, where we can help people in our community, we do and it’s really nice that we’re able to support them,” Ms Ritson.

“Whether it’s actually getting them into work or just giving them an insight into what we do, it provides a chance to identify their potential.

“The majority of the time, their disability doesn’t cause any issues or concerns or inhibit their ability to perform the role.”

Ms Ritson was so impressed with the jobseekers, she’s committed to offering two of the participants ongoing casual employment.

“It’s important that employers are looking at things a bit more broadly to see what they can do to help people.

“Pakenham Racing Club considers the clubs values and behaviours in their employment process, so they always want to identify these in any potential staff.

“We can always teach people how to do the job, whether it be serving people or carrying plates, but we can’t teach people the right work ethic, honesty and teamwork.

“It was a fun day having Marina, Kenpreet, Eang and Zohreh come out and spend time in the business.

“At the end of the day, it’s people that deliver a great customer experience and that’s what Pakenham Racing Club, Club Officer and Cardinia Club are all about.”