It only takes one thing to change your life forever. At a swimming hole near Townsville with his mates one week after finishing school, Craig’s future dramatically changed when he dove into the water and was seriously injured.
That was 12 years ago, and gradually things have changed for the better as Craig has come to terms with his new life and its challenges. Part of overcoming those new challenges is regaining a level of independence through employment, something that has gained momentum since he contacted STEPS Townsville.
With the assistance of Linda Di Betta, an Employment Pathways Mentor at STEPS, and the support of his new employer, Mick Brennan of Backstreet Bikes, Craig has secured a job working 30 hours a week as an automotive spare parts and retail assistant.
“I first joined STEPS – via Centrelink – four months ago and they found me this role pretty much straight away,” Craig says. “I always wanted to work with motors as I have spent my whole life around cars and bikes, plus I felt if I stayed home any longer I would go crazy – I really wanted to work and have that human interaction.”
Linda put Craig in touch with Mick, who was keen to give him a go, and the three worked on a plan to get Craig into the workforce. “Craig was keen to get into work in mechanics as he had done work experience at school as a trades assistant, cleaning electric motors and assisting the mechanical fitter with mechanical repairs” Linda said. “From the moment I met Mick I could see he was a wonderfully warm and welcoming bloke, and he didn’t see Craig’s disability but rather his ability. Mick was so keen to give back and really give someone who was enthusiastic a chance.”
Through STEPS linking with the Federal Government’s Job Access program, $22,300 worth of modifications were made at Backstreet Bikes to allow Craig to work more easily. These changes included modifying work benches and toilets, and marking the shop floor with yellow lines to create a safe work space for Craig and his chair. The grant also paid for equipment or Craig to photograph the products in the store.
“We have five staff all up and they all enjoy working with Craig. It’s hard to find hard-working employees and it’s refreshing to see an enthusiastic young man who wants to give it a go in life. STEPS have been wonderful – I would recommend them to anyone,” said Mick.
“I would say to others in the same situation as me – don’t give up hope,” Craig says. “STEPS can really help.”
