JASPER Harrop’s career has reached new heights – and it’s all thanks to a unique collaboration with disability employment service provider AXIS Employment.
Working closely with AXIS Employment, Mr Harrop has settled into a rewarding role with Entegra Signature Structures.
“AXIS Employment reached out to Entegra as part of their marketing strategy to find me work,” Mr Harrop said.
After a meeting, site tour and induction, Mr Harrop proved he had the qualities the organisation was looking for, and was offered eight hours a week.
The transition has proved challenging at times, but Mr Harrop has taken it all in his stride.
“The biggest barrier that I faced was the physical capability to work a full day,” Mr Harrop said.
“When I first started, I was only able to work four hours a day before I started to become sore and exhausted.”
Despite this, Mr Harrop forged on and with the support of Entegra, was able to build up his capacity to increase his workload.
“The management at Entegra supported me through this as they have been patient and understanding of my physical challenges, as well as flexible with my hours,” Mr Harrop said.
AXIS Employment also ensured Mr Harrop was able to maintain a suitable and sustainable employment opportunity.
“Since working at Entegra, AXIS has assisted with IT equipment, accessing funding for workplace modifications and overall general support,” Mr Harrop said.
“AXIS Employment have encouraged and supported me to push myself to achieve my goals and overcome any barriers that I have faced.”
Mr Harrop said various modifications were made in a bid to ensure his long-term success with the company.
“Entegra acknowledged that I was with limited capabilities and shared the same goal for myself to work fulltime,” Mr Harrop said.
“Over the year I have had modifications done to my computers and have done a lot of trial and error with different equipment to find what was going to work best for me and help me achieve my goal.”
In addition, Entegra and AXIS Employment worked together to improve accessibility at the workplace, which included the installation of an automatic door and a number of bathroom modifications, which were achieved with the support of local trade businesses.
The adjustments have had a major impact of Mr Harrop and in the last 12 months he has been able to dramatically increase his hours with the company.
“Over the last 12 months I have increased my hours from eight a week to an average of 32 hours per week,” he said.
The new financial year has resulted in new opportunities for Mr Harrop who is transitioning into a marketing role with the company.
“Marketing has brought me down the path I’m on and allows me to explore my interest in media and digital designing,” he said.
He is also looking at further study which will enable him to achieve his marketing ambitions.
While his career continues to flourish, Mr Harrop is continuously looking at ways to improve his independence.
“I have also been working alongside AXIS Employment to get my driver’s licence,” Mr Harrop said.
Having obtained his learners last year, he now hopes to access a modified vehicle which will meet his physical needs.
“This goal will assist with my independence as well as with employment as I will be able to increase my hours more by being able to get to work independently,” he said.
