Januka’s next chapter
Every week, Januka would ask the team at Outlook’s Hampton Park site whether there was a job available. He had become a familiar face through his work experience placement, and he’d developed his skills and built friendships with his colleagues. He knew he wanted to work there.
Now, after preparing his résumé, applying for a position and completing his induction, Januka has started his first paid job.
It is a milestone he has worked towards with persistence, enthusiasm and support from people who know his strengths.
Januka is an NDIS participant supported by Outlook. His goals include finding a job, participating in his community and continuing to learn throughout his life.
Through Outlook’s Work & Life Success program, literacy and numeracy activities, and work experience, Januka has been developing the skills to work towards those goals.
His employment journey began with a placement at Bunnings, where he spent around a year learning about being part of a workplace and building his independence. With his support worker, Josh, Januka became more confident completing tasks and understanding what was expected of him.
He then moved to Outlook’s social enterprise site at Hampton Park, which includes the transfer station and Refindit by Outlook reuse shop. Over the following 18 months, he got to know the work, the site and the people around him.
“When we moved to Hampton Park, Januka was sad to leave Bunnings,” Josh recalls. “With some encouragement and reassurance, he got into the work with a lot of enthusiasm. Once he felt comfortable, he came out of his shell and started sharing jokes with the staff.”
Finding his place in the team
At Refindit, Januka started by moving stock and keeping the shop tidy. As his skills grew, he began helping customers, pricing items and assisting at the till with support from the team.
Working independently has become one of Januka’s strengths. Alongside his practical skills, he has formed meaningful friendships with his peers and colleagues.
When Januka felt ready to take the next step, he received support to prepare his resumé and apply for a paid role at the site. He continued checking in with the team about opportunities.
“Every week, Januka would ask if there was a position for him,” Josh says. “When one became available, at first he didn’t believe it. Once he realised there really was an opportunity, he was so excited and determined to get the job, and we all got to work to help him make it happen.”
His application was successful, and he has now joined the team as a fully paid Outlook Australia employee.
A new chapter
Januka is working three days a week, starting in the reuse shop. The plan is to support Januka to learn other areas of the site, including the ramps and transfer station. Through his Outlook supports, he will also continue developing his numeracy and money skills.
For Josh, who has supported Januka throughout his work experience journey, seeing him reach this goal is a proud moment.
“I am so proud of how far you have come and look forward to seeing you continue to grow,” he says.
Januka’s achievement reflects his hard work and determination, alongside personalised support and opportunities to learn in a workplace where he feels comfortable and connected.
Congratulations, Januka. We’re delighted to welcome you to the team!
Every Thursday he asked me the same question – could he get a job working at the site? And every Thursday I would tell him that we didn’t have a vacancy… until recently when we had a resignation. So, on the next Thursday when Januka asked me if there was a suitable position, I said yes. At first he thought I was joking! Januka has a great work ethic and a positive personality which will see him fit seamlessly into our team.
– Dennis O’Brien, Contract Manager Hampton Park Transfer Station