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Diversity in workforce promoted at Narrogin Auto Centre this WorkAbility Week

Campbell WilliamsonNarrogin Observer
Jackson Andrew and Stephen Webb at Narrogin Auto Centre.
Camera IconJackson Andrew and Stephen Webb at Narrogin Auto Centre. Credit: Supplied / Forrest Personnel/Supplied / Forrest Personnel

A Narrogin business has been promoting an inclusive workforce for WorkAbility Week after experiencing the benefits first- hand.

Running from October 11-17, WorkAbility Week is an annual event hosted by Forrest Personnel, encouraging businesses around the State to consider jobseekers living with an injury, illness or disability.

While no positions are available at Narrogin Auto Centre, general manager Stephen Webb said Workability Week represented a great opportunity for people to get back into the workplace.

“It’s about getting people who have been away from the workplace to see that there are jobs they can do and get their confidence up a bit,” he said.

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Mr Webb understands the benefits of a diverse team.

After hiring Jackson Andrew as a salesperson in June, his new employee has become an integral part of the team.

“I had (Jackson) in for an interview and I made my decision pretty quickly,” Mr Webb said.

“Jackson was really well matched to this job.”

Mr Andrew spent nearly a decade training as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic working on agricultural machinery and cars.

But a blood vessel malformation in his right hand forced him out of the field he loved. Now, he’s making a significant contribution at Narrogin Auto Centre after being matched with the role by Forrest Personnel.

“I had always wanted to be a mechanic, but my hand became so painful that I could only do a couple of days a week. I had to quit,” Mr Andrew said.

“I didn’t work for nearly a whole year.”

“My disability doesn’t stop me from doing my job.

“I think there are lots of people like that.

“I think employers could get great candidates, possibly even better candidates if they consider people with a disability.

“I think there are other people out there who may have two perfectly good hands, but they might not be as dedicated as me.”

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