Angus Knight Group‘s new pre-employment program in partnership with Menzies Aviation is giving participants of Jobfind and Joblife’s Disability Employment Services in Sydney the opportunity to join the Menzies’ workforce at Sydney Airport.
Addressing employment inclusion and workforce need
Menzies Aviation is currently recruiting for ground services staff to assist passengers with restricted mobility to board their flights and access airport facilities.
Passengers with restricted mobility (PRM) represent a significant number of travellers through Sydney Airport and include the elderly, injured, and people with a disability. The need for assistants for PRM is predicted to increase as the population ages and travel restrictions ease post-COVID.
Jobfind’s participants in Sydney include people with a disability who have been unable to secure stable and satisfying work. Their exclusion from employment often represents a lack of opportunity to work with employers who embrace diversity and offer part-time hours, says Karena Newland, Jobfind CEO.
The pre-employment program with Menzies Aviation opens the doors to employment for participants who will benefit from joining an employer with a track record of diversity and inclusion.
“We have analysed the job requirements of the PRM roles and feel confident that with the right preparation, our job seekers will be great additions to the ground service that travellers receive at Sydney Airport,” says Karena.
A pathway to employment
A pilot pre-employment program was conducted from 4-6 October 2022 at Mascot. Eight disability employment service participants from the central western Sydney attended. Paul, aged 43, has an acquired brain injury and Rajash speaks English as a second language. Many of the participants live with mental health issues.
“They all showed great enthusiasm and commitment to the process,” said Employment Consultant Nefa Alic-Pirgic, who led the program.
The program included a strength and conditioning session to assess each candidate’s physical capability to undertake the manual handling requirements of the role.
Participants also met the Menzies Aviation Passenger Services Manager and received a walk-through of Sydney Airport. Job seekers mapped their potential journey to work from their homes, updated their resumes, organised their work checks and practised their interview skills.
Following the program, participants had the opportunity to apply for vacancies, with three people accepting job offers soon after.
In a major benefit to both Menzies Aviation and successful applicants, Jobfind continues to support its participants for a further 12 months following job placement.
“Our long-term ongoing support is proven to help people retain their job and continue to thrive in employment,” says Karena.
Stuart and Coletta are thriving in work
L-R: Stuart and Coletta
Stuart and Coletta have been working in their new jobs for the past few weeks.
Stuart: “I used to do nothing…I am now a more energetic, social and disciplined person and that makes me love myself and want to do more for that. I love what I do, who I do it with, who I do it for.. I love everything!”
Coletta: “It’s really amazing. I ask if they can extend my shift because I don’t want to go home, I love it. The people I work with are very nice as well, so I like coming in to work with them. I always wanted to work at the airport and now I am here working!”
To find out more about Jobifnd’s disability employment services, visit Disability employment – Jobfind
