Supported employment has been a stepping stone to open employment at Bulla.
Kylie, who lives with disability and is in her 50’s, recently landed her first job in open employment at Bulla. This accomplishment is a source of joy for her and is sparking positive changes in her life.
“I was so happy,” Kylie said.
“I just love working there, the work is really good and the people are really friendly.”
Over decades of her working life, Kylie had faced the barriers to meaningful employment that many people living with intellectual disability, autism and other disabilities face.
By steadily building workplace skills and confidence, the Colac resident was successful in securing a role directly with dairy brand Bulla in December 2023.
Kylie is thriving in her job in Bulla’s food production area where she works three days a week.
“She has a really bright future at Bulla. They really like her and she’s a shining light in their workforce,” said Mary Maqueda from genU Business Enterprises.
As a supported employee, while receiving tailored NDIS plan supports from genU’s employment pathways team, Kylie laid the groundwork for this exciting career transition that had previously seemed out of reach.
In 2021, she joined genU’s Otway Kitchen, a social enterprise offering employment opportunities for people with disability. She continues to work there one day a week, building friendships, learning new skills, and growing in confidence.
When she heard about an opportunity to work as a genU supported employee team at Bulla in Colac, she was excited to give it a go. After a thorough induction and working with additional support and supervision, it became clear she could work independently in the role.
Mary and the genU team are proud to see Kylie’s strengths and contribution recognised by her new employers. This includes her strong commitment to workplace safety and her adherence to OH&S guidelines, which she brings from her experience as a supported employee.
“Kylie’s transition to open employment with Bulla demonstrates how supported employment can act as an important stepping stone towards open employment,” Mary said.
“It provides people with invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. In Kylie’s case her transition from a supported role to becoming an integral part of Bulla’s workforce shows the power that skill-building and workplace experience has in paving the way for career advancement.”
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