Article

From School Leaver to Valued Employee: Spencer’s Story of Determination

Looking to make a smooth transition from school to work? Spencer demonstrates how it is done.

Spencer Whitley was determined to enter the workforce and to excel in his career.

He wasted no time making it happen.

After graduating high school in November 2023, Spencer landed a job the following month at Endeavour Foundation’s Wacol Business Solutions site in Brisbane.

In his role, he is responsible for labelling and packing a wide variety of products, highlighting his diligence and commitment to quality.

Additionally, Spencer has successfully completed the training necessary to operate the pallet jack, a skill that not only increases his efficiency but contributes to the overall productivity of his team.

Doing His Homework

Spencer set the foundation for his entry into the workforce while still at school.

He regularly undertook work experience alongside his classmates from Ipswich West State Special School.

This experience helped him to feel confident about transitioning to full-time employment after graduating from high school.

One of the things Spencer values most about his time at Wacol Business Solutions is the genuine sense of acceptance he has found within the team.

From day one, he was welcomed and embraced by his coworkers and felt he could truly be himself.

This nurturing environment has allowed Spencer to forge stable and meaningful friendships that he had not much experienced before joining Endeavour Foundation.

For Spencer, these connections have transformed his work life into something special, making the support and camaraderie he now enjoys even more significant.

His role is not just a job to him; it is a place where Spencer feels like he belongs, and that sense of belonging has made all the difference.

A Team with a Common Goal

Alongside Spencer, there are more than 100 employees at the Wacol site, working collaboratively towards a common goal.

Wacol offers a range of opportunities that differ day by day, including food packaging, labelling of boxes, heat sealing, administration tasks and even the potential for forklift driving.

The dynamic environment at Wacol is not a one-off. There are hundreds more supported employees at various Endeavour Foundation Business Solutions sites across Queensland as well as in Sydney and Melbourne.

This creates a strong network of people with disability, united by a goal to flourish in jobs with purpose.

Join Us

Building skills and confidence is incredibly rewarding, and Endeavour Foundation's Supported Employment pathway can help you to achieve immense satisfaction.

In fact, we are one of Australia’s largest employers of people with disability.

With Endeavour Foundation, you will have the chance to develop new skills, collaborate with others and earn an income as you transition from school to employment.

If you are aged 16 or older, you can work in a commercial environment under the guidance and mentorship of Employment Coaches and Production Team Leaders.

This just might be the employment opportunity you or a loved one has been seeking.

Keen to find out more? It starts here.

Or get in touch with us directly.

Contact us

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