Charged Up for Work student Darren
One of the students who has benefited from the Charged Up for Work program is Darren. After graduating from the work preparation training, the team helped Darren find a job as a Food Manufacturing Process Operator at Turban Chopsticks.
The CUFW program helped Darren prepare for employment. “It gave me the basis to perform my role. They have helped me to focus on my skills and preferences to enjoy my job. CUFW helped me maintain my job by improving my skills and giving me advice on my daily routine.”
Being supported in preparing, finding and keeping a job has been invaluable for Darren, “Employment has given me financial independence, which has allowed me to explore new hobbies, buy new stuff and improve my everyday life at home which I am grateful for.”
The program is also benefiting businesses that provide opportunities to the students. “Edge’s support has been excellent in helping us understand the student’s disability in further detail, educating us on how we can shift roles to help suit the work capabilities for each student. The support has been excellent, consistent and helpful,” said Mei Yong, CEO of Turban Chopsticks.
Darren is grateful the CUFW program introduced him to the team at Turban Chopsticks. “My employer and supervisor are always open to allowing me to communicate my thoughts. They make me feel that I am a reliable and valued team member as I have multiple tasks that are important in the manufacturing process that I am responsible for.”
CUFW doesn’t just prepare and find students employment. It provides ongoing support too. Edge Job Coach Josephine regularly assists Darren who said, “My Job Coach has been helpful in developing new skills and building my confidence. The team make me feel more confident, supported and important.”
“My Job Coach has been helpful in developing new skills and building my confidence. The team make me feel more confident, supported and important.”
As a young man with ASD, Darren would like to share with other people with disability that you should “always fight for your goals, be patient and be true to yourself.”