Workplace diversity and inclusion have become increasingly important topics in today’s business landscape. As society becomes more diverse, organisations that embrace diversity and foster an inclusive culture can reap numerous benefits, including increased productivity, improved employee morale and higher levels of engagement.
HC AUTOS in Slacks Creek is one such business that has welcomed this concept. MTA Queensland approached business owners Callum Feron-Farrell and Hughie Kane as part of the ‘Opening Doors to the Automotive Industry’ program, a government funded initiative that supports automotive businesses to connect with new, untapped employment cohorts.
With their business rapidly expanding, Callum and Hughie were eager to bring new members into their team and warmly welcomed Damon Stroud – a young, passionate, autistic, first-year light vehicle apprentice with a love for all things mechanical.
Having completed work experience with Wheelnutz Garage, a supportive learning space for anyone with a disability interested in learning more about automotives, Damon possessed the foundational skills and knowledge required to work in an automotive workshop, making him an instant fit.
Damon enjoys being part of the HC AUTOS team and remains fully engaged in his job through hands-on learning and mentorship. Callum and Hughie are very supportive of their staff’s needs, offering flexible working hours to fit in with Damon’s schedule and various appointments.
“I love cars and have always wanted to become a mechanic, so getting this opportunity was a dream come true,”said Damon. “I work Monday to Thursday as that is what works best for me, but even when I’m not at work, I’m sad I’m not there. I love working with everyone, they are a great bunch of guys. For my birthday they bought us all lunch, it’s the small things that make a world of difference.”
Damon’s positive attitude and commitment to learning has only continued to impress, with both Callum and Hughie commenting on his speedy progress over the last three months.
“At HC AUTOS, we place a large focus on the development of our apprentices and couldn’t be happier to have Damon as part of our team. He has quickly adapted to the workshop environment and is honing his mechanical skills,” said Callum.
As part of this commitment to training, HC AUTOS has purchased several vehicles for their apprentices to work on, where they can pull apart and fully explore all the different components from start to finish, at their own pace. This provides a holistic approach to the service and repair process and has helped Damon to get a better understanding of the various makes and models available in today’s market.
“We don’t want our apprentices to come in and spend the first year not knowing anything, we would rather teach them from the first day, so they feel confident and comfortable as well as give them a chance to show their initiative,” added Hughie.
Damon’s success story inspires other young individuals to pursue their passions, regardless of their differences. MTA Queensland Workforce Mentors Bob Grierson and Alicia Welsford, who have supported Damon along his journey, were thrilled to see him flourish under the guidance of HC AUTOS and look forward to assisting others to follow their own path.
Through the Opening Doors to the Automotive Industry program, MTA Queensland works alongside various community partners to develop pathways to employment for underrepresented cohorts and prepare them for a career in the automotive industry. Find out how you can get involved HERE.
Opening Doors to the Automotive Industry is a Workforce Connect Fund project funded by the Queensland Government as part of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032.
18 April 2024