From learner driver to confident Team Leader, WorkReady participant Will’s journey has seen him flourish from behind the wheel to the front of Gusto’s Home Hub’s gardening services.
Since attending Ability Options’ WorkReady service in 2019, Will was supported to achieve a major life goal in obtaining his Provisional Driving Licence. His perseverance through 120 hours of driving lessons allowed him to apply for the jobs he was interested in.
It didn’t take long for Will to secure full-time employment, joining Gusto’s Home Hub in 2021 – a cleaning, gardening and maintenance company that provides services to NDIS clients across Sydney. With no prior gardening experience, he demonstrated his punctuality, professionalism, and pride in his work from the start, even offering to work overtime hours.
Will has fond memories of his first day on the job with Gusto’s. The entry-level role saw him find his feet through completing tasks such as loading and unloading materials, cleaning tools, operating machinery, preparing sites, and digging trenches.
“My first day was great, and the person leading me was very accommodating. They certainly showed me the ropes,” Will says.
Fast forward to today, and Will’s tenured personal and professional confidence has landed him an entirely new role.
“I was promoted to Team Leader just under a year ago,” Will says, “I often help train new staff in service procedures, uses of equipment, skill development tracking, and leading many areas of Gusto’s services”.
“It was a great feeling to know I’d be supporting Gusto’s at a higher level with new responsibilities and duties.”
“It took around five months for the change to really happen after expressing my interest. I watched a range of videos and online courses to help me upskill in preparation for my new position. Gusto’s was happy with my responses and proceeded to promote me.”
Will’s boss was very supportive in sharing resources about people skills. Will says he has improved his people skills thanks to supportive resources and a work environment that encourages his development.
As a leader, he’s always looking to actively communicate with people in an effective and diligent way, even sharing that the best part of his job by far is working with, and for, a wide range of different people, as well as helping people who need it.
“Giving back and helping people who need help really does a lot for me,” he says.
“I truly appreciate giving back.”
Beyond this, Will’s desire to give back is more than meets the eye.
“When I was younger, my mum had a stroke. She had all these people around to help her, and I thought…’why don’t I get a job like that?’” he says.
“My mum was an inspiration for me, not only that, but the people around her that truly ‘gave back’ through their work while I was in school, and I wanted to be just like them through my work.”
It is not only in Will’s nature to give back, but also for his employer – Gusto’s Home Hub. This organisation was our Champion Employer of Ability Options’ 2024 STAR Awards. The team was recognised for their strong partnership with us in sourcing candidates and their commitment to inclusive recruitment practices and support for individuals facing barriers to employment has led to numerous successful placements like Will’s.
Ability Options’ and Gusto’s strong working relationship worked in tandem to support Will throughout his journey.
“Ability Options was helping me a lot in 2021 and throughout my employment journey since,” Will says.
“They supported me to land this job and don’t think I would be where I am without them.”
If you’re ready to take the next step in your employment journey, reach out to Ability Options today and discover how tailored support can help you achieve your goals. Learn more about how our friendly employment services team can assist you, call us today at 1300 422 454 or click here to get started.
