Making a positive impact

Ajay’s story is one example of how our team have helped to make a positive impact on someone’s life. He engaged with Edge when he was looking for assistance to find employment. Describing himself as an easy person to get along with and someone who loves a joke and a laugh, Ajay knew he had a lot to offer an employer. He just needed to be given a chance.

This opportunity came over two years ago in the form of a cleaning role at KFC Thornlie. In this role, Ajay is responsible for completing carpark checks, cleaning tables and chairs, and cleaning the restrooms.

Ajay loves his job because he has always enjoyed KFC food and has been going there since he was a child. It’s now an added bonus that he gets to work there – “I’m just so happy I got a job, and it makes life more fun!”

Ajay’s manager is Shannon, who has supported him every step of the way. “Shannon is really funny and it’s great to have a manager with a sense of humour. The energy at KFC is really good, so I love working here because it makes me feel energised, too,” said Ajay.

Ajay also recognised the support from Edge East Victoria Park and his Job Coach, Dan. “Dan has helped me along the way. He is really helpful and very supportive. He’s not just a coach to me, he’s a friend and a mentor and I respect him greatly,” he said.

Ajay’s future is looking bright. He is grateful to Shannon for giving him this opportunity, because he knows how hard it can be for businesses in the current environment. Therefore, his advice to other employers is to “Go to Edge. They are good at helping people to find work, and you can count on them to help you, too.”

For other people with disability, Ajay’s words of wisdom are that “It’s not as hard as you think to find work. Just give it a go. It doesn’t matter what your disability is – you can do it.”