17-year-old Jordan Richardson is all about making a positive impact in people’s lives and since leaving high school he has pursued this commitment by choosing a career in support work. He is currently completing a Certificate III in Individual Support through Community Solutions Group‘s (CSG) internal traineeship program in partnership with Endeavour Foundation. He has been working at Lawnton L&L since January and is loving the impact he’s having on the lives of people he supports as well as having the ability to drive his own career aspirations.
I’m all about helping people, I just love it,
One of my sister’s friends has a disability; I saw them a lot. It just got me really intrigued, so I started looking and I found this opportunity.
I’m loving it.
One of the major lessons Jordan’s learnt since he started working at the L&L is the importance of empowering people we support to live independently. There is a major shortage of support workers in Australia right now, and Jordan feels proud to be an advocate for the sector.
I feel great to be able to help people we support (to) develop their independence. More independence means they’re needing less support,
When they’re able to do things, they feel better about themselves. Seeing them be able to do something without any help is a great feeling.
Only a few months into the role, Jordan has shadowed each team member to get a full understanding of the role. With the support of Site Manager, Sarita Alay-ay, and the team, he has started delivering his own literacy, numeracy, fitness and craft programs.
I’m finding it really good. The whole team here has been amazing. They helped me be myself and feel welcomed,
Jordan said.
Recently one person we support was struggling with some harder math problems. I used a calm and analytical approach to support and empower her to do it on her own.
She’s been smashing it! She’s been able to do it without any help from me now
he said with a smile.
Jordan also gave his input into the fitness classes held at the L&L, which resulted in great feedback from participants.
Site Manager, Sarita, loves how Jordan fits in so seamlessly with the team.
He takes feedback very well. And he’s running the programs, supported by myself and other staff,
Sarita
He’s a valued part of our team and has been (since) the moment he walked in.
Lawnton L&L Drama Academy is born
In addition to the numeracy, literacy, fitness and craft activities, Jordan is also supporting the site’s newly launched Lawnton L&L Drama Academy.
The Lawnton L&L Drama Academy opened its doors in February inviting other L&Ls in the area to swing by to give the people they supported a venue to show off some of their many talents.
We had people we support showing some of their magic tricks. We had presentations on animals and even a little choir singing group performed on stage! It was lots of fun. Everyone enjoyed it,
Sarita
The drama academy’s goal is to teach people how to work together as a team and to build confidence.
It is especially beneficial for people we support who are shy, have anxiety, or for people who have autism and might not like crowds,
Sarita
The drama academy gives them an opportunity to interact in a fun light-hearted way, which really takes the pressure off.
This is what we are looking forward to, making it a reality for our people.
The Lawnton L&L Drama Academy started their next term on 3rd April already with lots of interest and is open for other L&L’s to participate and utilise the stage.
Jordan and Sarita’s experience of internal traineeships
Jordan, Sarita and the rest of the Lawnton L&L team have a tangible dynamic, each supporting each other to achieve goals and make possibilities a reality for people they support. They catch up daily to make sure Jordan is comfortable and understands what is expected of him during each shift.
We’re responsible for his career so we want to make sure we set him up to succeed. Whatever he’s doing here, we want to set up his foundation really well so he achieves what he wants to achieve on his journey with us,”
Sarita found the process of hiring a trainee for her team straightforward.
We found our guy straightaway! I was really happy to have extra hands on deck. He is wonderful. I appreciate him very much,
Sarita
Community Solutions Group takes care of all the trainee’s employment requirements including organising the formal training and providing ongoing support throughout their training and employment journey.
They (CSG field officers) are all really helpful. They have all checked up on me, (they’ve) come in and visited multiple times to make sure that me and Jordan are doing okay,
Sarita said
They’ll call up and ask how everything is going with Jordan, if he is facing any challenges and they are always available to help.
I had issues with logging in and approving timesheets, so she (Field Officer, Kelly Pershouse) has even helped me get me IT support. We’ve both had a lot of support from them, which has been good.
Sarita has enjoyed the experience of hiring a trainee so much that she’s asked for more trainees for her team!
Jordan has given me such a good impression; I’ve asked for more of him!
Sarita
The internal traineeship program also has a good impact on the staff as well, Jordan’s gotten really good feedback whenever I speak to them.
It’s like super glue, it just works perfectly
Jordan added
What’s next for Jordan?
Jordan is on track to complete his 12-month traineeship in January 2024, but is eager to finish it ahead of time and then hopes to transition into a permanent role with Endeavour Foundation.
I’m learning a lot and happy to stick here for a while and get to know the people we support, the staff and how everyone works
The team here have been great. So, I’m planning on staying here if they’ll have me!”
Fingers crossed!
Sarita
If you are interested in hiring a trainee through Community Solutions Group, simply complete the quick Expression of Interest (EOI) form below and a team member will be in touch to discuss your specific business needs.
If you have any questions, please email the team via [email protected]
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