Brandon’s #TeamPossible journey began while he was still in high school through a work experience placement at Wacol social enterprise. After finishing school in 2013, he transitioned to a fulltime line assistant role at the Wacol site, where he made friends and gained valuable skills, training and experience. As his abilities and confidence grew, he was promoted to a team leader. Then in 2019, Brandon was successful in securing a position as an administration assistant in our Payroll team.
As part of his transition to mainstream employment, he received some support through our Supported Independent Employment (SIE) program – a program that provides opportunities and mentorship for people with disability wanting to work in mainstream employment. Now, well-equipped with independence, confidence and ambition, he no longer needs these supports and is excelling in his role with his manager and team cheering him on every step of the way.
This month at Support Centre, we celebrated Brandon’s next chapter in mainstream employment and the positive impact he has made on our people and purpose.
You’ve worked at Endeavour Foundation for almost 10 years! How does it feel?
Great! I’ve done so much in those 10 years. When I started, I was just a school kid. I had no idea where I was heading. I look back at photos and videos from those times and I look so different. I am not that person anymore. In my adult years, I’ve become more confident through working, going out in the community, and seeing people. I would look at people working and say to myself, “you know what? If they can do it, I can do that too”.
What was your first day working at Endeavour Foundation like?
I started at Wacol social enterprise on a work placement during high school. I remember feeling very welcomed and learnt many different tasks. Everyone was lovely; if I didn’t know something or know where something was my teammates were very happy to help.
How did it feel to be promoted to a team leader?
Amazing. I was a team leader for about five years and enjoyed mentoring other employees and assisting the production managers. I developed my social skills a lot during this time, and as my confidence and mindset grew, I knew I wanted to make the move to mainstream employment. I brought all those skills to my next role.
How did you secure the payroll administration assistant role?
The two interviews that I did to land the role at Support Centre are career highlights of mine. They opened me up to a whole new world. When I got the job, I knew I was ready. I felt similar when I started my work placement at Wacol.
What are your main responsibilities in your current role?
In the Payroll team, I help with processing employees’ pay, doing roster changes, and updating personal details. I also create reports and timesheets.
Were there any challenges you had to overcome at work?
For starters, I knew nothing about payroll at the beginning. I like when people break information down when I begin new tasks. And then when I continue doing them every day, I can see the steps visually. My manager at the time was amazing and adapted to my learning style. She put procedures in place and broke down the information to help me understand. My colleagues are also great. They are very supportive. We all support each other, and it is a good environment to work in. I love my team, and I love my current manager, Katrina so much. She has helped me out with lots of different ideas and she always makes herself available to me if I have a question.
What are some other highlights from your current role?
I am proud of the good friendships that I’ve made with my colleagues over the years. I love coming into the office to work. And I also love working from home. I love my flexible work arrangement. It allows me to have a good work-life balance.
Why did you choose to transition out of the Supported Independent Employment (SIE) program?
I have transitioned out of this program now as I don’t need a support worker by my side every day. I like to be independent and figure things out myself first. And if I need help, I know that I have the support of my manager and team.
What would you say to employers in mainstream employment about recruiting people with disability?
Back in the day, most employers wouldn’t employ people with a disability because they thought they couldn’t do the job or couldn’t cope with the mainstream employment atmosphere. And to them, I say “get your act together”. It is important that employers give them a chance. It doesn’t matter whether a person has a disability or not. People with disability may have additional needs, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t do the job. The focus should be on their abilities and how employers can support them in doing the tasks.
What’s next in your career?
I’m going to stay with Endeavour Foundation for a while longer because I don’t want people to start crying. Plus, I’ve almost earnt my long service leave and that is not something you generally see in today’s times. I have friends who change their jobs every five minutes.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self or someone that is looking to transition to mainstream employment?
I would say to 16-year-old me: you can do this. You are at the start of your employment, and you can achieve anything that you want to
And to people that want to work in mainstream employment, I would say the same thing: this is only the beginning. You can achieve anything, like any other individual. Make sure you have the right support in place and an employer who accepts who you are. And remember to just be yourself. Don’t try to be anyone else. Good luck.
News
View all
Director Election Expression of Interest
Are you in email overload?
Grant funding brings new life to Alex Hills L&L
BRACE proposed changes
Fire Services – Chubb Fire & Security is our new provider
