Each year hundreds of disadvantaged and disabled job seekers, participate in the Australian Government initiative AccessAbility day.
AccessAbility Day is a voluntary, obligation-free initiative where employers host a job seeker with a disability for one day. Employers explore the concept of employing a jobseeker with a disability while providing an opportunity for participants to gain an insight into a job.
In 2019 Hastings Deering, as part of their Together as One Flexibility and Inclusion program, is partnering with ON-Q Human Resources, to invite 5 candidates into the business to shadow a range of functions from Customer Experience, Parts, Marketing and Safety.
Marshall Watson, Major Accounts Manager Quarries and Together as One Abilities Group Lead at Hastings Deering said that the initiative comes from the Abilities Group at Hastings Deering, this group is focused on ensuring equal opportunities, regardless of their ability.
“As part of the Abilities Group, we aim to ensure that all employees feel included, regardless of their ability. We run a range of events and initiatives in support of this program and we’re excited to have the team get behind AccessAbility Day this year.”
“We strongly believe that all people should feel supported and included and we’re looking at a range of ways to increase inclusiveness, from improved infrastructure in our facilities through to events and professional support for people. We believe in normalizing any form of disability and ensuring we have an open and supportive workplace,” said Mr Watson.
Steven Pitkin General Manager Operations QLD at On-Q Disability Services said that the partnership means a lot for ON-Q’s clients as it opens a larger number of roles with a supportive employer.
“We all know the benefits of working and how much it becomes a part of our identity, yet there is a large group of people in our community who aren’t afforded this opportunity. We aren’t okay with that and that’s why it is our mission to build capacity amongst this group and work with them to find meaningful employment.”
“I see this partnership changing the lives of many people with a disability in QLD. Hastings Deering and ON-Q both share the desire to see more people with a disability afforded the same employment opportunities as everyone else in the community and through the Flexibility and Inclusion team and ON-Q staff, we will support these clients as they transition into open employment”.
AccessAbility Day is the first significant step in the Hastings Deering and ON-Q partnership. This partnership will lead to a greater opportunity to support those with a disability.
“It’s never just a job. It’s a chance. We’re thrilled to be able to assist these candidates to grow more capable. Learn new skills and become empowered.”
Said Marshall Watson.
Hastings Deering has introduced a business-shaping initiative called “Together as One – Flexibility & Inclusion”. This initiative aims to improve diversity and inclusion within its workforce through the formation of 5 groups including; Abilities, Culture, LGBT, Generation and Gender.
About ON-Q.
Founded in 1988, ON-Q is a not for profit company that enables (empowers, assists) people with disability to realise their full potential through participation in meaningful employment.
About AccessAbility Day
AccessAbility Day is an Australian Government initiative that allows employers to connect with jobseekers with disability (participants), to see their potential in the workplace. Employers can explore the concept of employing a jobseeker with a disability, while also providing an opportunity for participants to gain an insight into a particular job or type of work.
Source: Hastings Deering
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