When Ross came to STEPS in Bowen, he came with a medical report that summarised a series of unfortunate events leaving him suffering chronic pain and limiting his mobility.
He had undergone extensive back surgery; been involved in a motor bike accident resulting in a right knee injury; an old gun-shot wound to his right shoulder limited his range of motion and strength in his right arm. The medical opinion he had been given was that he would never work again, and would be on the disability support pension indefinitely.
“Well,” he said, “I wasn’t going to accept that. They wanted me to roll over and play dead.” This positive attitude was what embarked Ross on his journey with STEPS as he joined the program as a volunteer participant. “When I came to STEPS I never had even seen a resume. I had no idea what one looked like.” In his working life, Ross always relied on word-of-mouth to get the next road construction or driving job. STEPS worked with Ross in building his resume and then connected him with Skilling Solutions who detailed his aptitudes, likes and dislikes. This process gave him confidence to actively job-search for a permanent position.
When Ross approached Mansell’s Premix Transport with his resume for a position as a driver/operator of a concrete truck, he says that he had no qualms about disclosing his medical history. Right from the start the company have supported Ross as an equal opportunity employer, and Ross now has a permanent, full-time position at the Bowen Depot.
“I’ve found that it pays to be upfront with people so they know what they’re dealing with. The job is perfect for me as a driver; there are no heavy duties at all.”
Would he ever recommend STEPS to other people looking for support when they have difficult challenges to overcome? We get a resounding “Nah, probably not,” with a bit of a grin, and a twinkle that goes with his good humour, as he brushes off his hands on his trousers, to shake my hand and head back to work.
