Finding employment opportunities for teenagers with disability is essential for fostering independence and personal growth. Tailored support programs play a significant role in helping young people build the confidence and skills they need to succeed. This article highlights Rhiannon’s journey at Help, detailing her aspirations in the hospitality industry and the personalised guidance she received to turn her dreams into reality.

Setting the stage for success

Rhiannon came to Help at 17, during her last year of school, while completing Certificate II in Hospitality, with a clear determination to work in a café.

As her School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) coach Michele tells us, “Rhiannon has always been friendly, determined, with a positive attitude, and very keen to achieve her goals,” attributes she displayed from their first meetings together. Since she had clear goals of what she wanted to achieve with her career, Michele and Rhiannon started working on her main challenges by addressing her anxiety, fears in dealing with loud sounds or noisy places as well as improving her customer service skills.

They learned through video tutorials and roleplayed scenarios that Rhiannon might face in a café setting, which began to build her confidence. Together, they developed her resume and prepared for job interviews. “We also worked on how to stay calm when work gets busy, how to be professional at work, and deal with unhappy clients,” remembers Rhiannon.

Feeling prepared to go chase her dreams, Rhiannon and Michele started visiting cafés to enquire about work experience and employment opportunities for teenagers with disability.

They made several enquiries until they found Queensland Museum Cobb+Co Coffe Shop in Toowoomba, where Rhiannon felt confident to give it a try. She was aware that hands on training was a requirement for her to obtain her Hospitality Certificate and open further employment opportunities.

On the job support at work

Rhiannon’s been supported at work each week by Michele who is proud of her achievements. “Rhiannon has shown excellent improvement! From increasing her confidence and communication skills to building a great deal of resilience to perform her tasks and interact with customers. She has displayed excellent work performance,” celebrates Michele.

“Each week, she shows more initiative and needs less support to complete her tasks,” Michele adds.

Rhiannon’s worked in various roles at the café, from taking orders and delivering meals to greeting guests and cleaning tables. She also helps with dishes and assists the chef when needed. “I feel so much more confident at work. I feel like I’m being successful at everything I do! I’m now able to carry coffee cups to customers without shaking!” celebrates Rhiannon.

Kristy, her manager at Cobb+Co Coffee Shop notices that confidence and is impressed with Rhiannon’s progress. “She understands what’s required each day to do without being asked. Her friendly, placid nature also shows the team how working hard and being dedicated can help you grow and develop. She’s fit in so well with the team and has built relationships with all staff. We’re very happy to have her on our team,” says Kristy.

Rhiannon also shares that when she faces fear or anxiety at work, she now knows what to do. “I’ve learned and practiced how to be calm when work gets really loud and busy. I know that I can take a 5-minute break to do some deep breaths and then get back to work,” she proudly says.

Everyday life improvements

Rhiannon’s mum Melanie shares that her improvements have been felt outside of work too. “Rhiannon’s become more organised and responsible in her everyday life. She planned and organised multiple events at her school, including a bake sale, and to raise money for charity,” she says.

“I’m so happy for her and so proud of her! I think she is doing a fantastic job of setting herself up to achieve her dream job and working independently in the future,” adds Melanie.

Disability is not a weakness

Melanie always knew that having a disability didn’t mean that Rhiannon’s options were limited, she just had to gain her confidence and find her own path. “I’ve always taught Rhiannon to not let her disability stop her from doing what she wants to do. Certainly, the support from Michele and the Help team showed her that she can chase her dreams and grow in her independence,” she says.

“Now I can step back and allow Rhiannon to gain the work experience she wants and learn important skills for the workplace, just like her friends at school do. Our experience with Help has been invaluable in setting Rhiannon up for her future as a confident, independent, fearless young woman,” Melanie proudly adds.

Rhiannon is also excited about her future and has already made plans. “I want to get my driver’s licence and save enough money to buy my own car. I also want to continue working in the hospitality industry, and to learn how to use the coffee machine to make coffees on my own,” she shares.

We wish Rhiannon the best as she continues chasing her dreams and can’t wait to see where her hard work takes her!

Find a job you love

Rhiannon’s journey is just one example of how to get the support needed to find a job you love after school. There’re many different options available, and we are here to help you discover the right employment opportunities for teenagers with disability.

Our post-school pathways and disability services are tailored to support your goals and accommodate a variety of disabilities and health conditions. Contact us today!