Promoting Diversity in Ingham Workplaces

Local Ingham businesses have been encouraged to provide work experience to job seekers with disability in an effort to create greater connections between employers and people seeking employment.

Marshall Harmon of Ingham Commercial Laundry recently participated in AccessAbility week, an event designed to connect jobseekers with disability to the workplace so they can gain experience and an understanding of what their employment potential may be. It also allows employers to explore the concept of employing a jobseeker with disability.

Four jobseekers who are currently registered with employment services provider, Workways Australia, attended Ingham Commercial Laundry where Marshall walked them through the day to day activities of the business.

Susan Dorries, Recruitment Partner at Workways Australia explained that the day provides jobseekers with a snapshot of the industry and the workplace. “Our four participants have been unemployed long term, so this activity allowed them to reconnect with employment and understand the operations of a business.”

Marshall and his team were very enthusiastic about hosting our jobseekers and did a fantastic job in welcoming and involving the jobseekers in the business.” Said Susan.

The results from the day were positive with Susan stating that the experience has given the participants the confidence to take the next step toward employment. “One of our jobseekers has been unemployed for five years because he lacked confidence to attend interviews and talk with people. Since his experience with Ingham Commercial Laundry, he is now seeking out voluntary work to build up his experience and is very keen to get a job.”

AccessAbility week is an initiative of the Federal Government, in support of the Australian Disability Employment Services (DES).