Adam’s long road back to meaningful work

Before being injured, Adam worked as a beef slaughterman, in retail and in security. 

“After my injuries I was unable to work and was told that I required a double spinal and double hip surgery,” he says. 

“I worked on myself by changing my diet, lifestyle and whole way of life. 

“I lost 60kg in about 12 months, which helped my mobility to be able to exercise more and strengthen the muscles in my back which meant that I could get around easier.  

After waiting for eight years for the surgery, I had had enough of sitting around. With the support of CVGT Employment I started looking for work again.
Adam
CVGT Employment
Disability Employment Services Participant

As part of the Wodonga ParentsNext and Disability Employment Services programs, Adam worked with CVGT Employment consultants Josh and Dimitti. 

Together, during regular meetings, they developed Adam’s resume and applied for jobs. 

The Wodonga employment services team also pitched Adam’s skills directly to employers – and it was this approach that delivered a breakthrough. 

“We came across John and Grant at Wholesale Butcher, who were fantastic right from the get-go,” Adam says. 

“We chatted with them in the store and they asked Dimitti to send over information and by the next day, I had a job offer.” 

John and Grant were impressed with Adam’s previous meat work experience and comforted by their previous collaborations with CVGT Employment. 

“Adam has a good personality and is happy to work flexible hours,” they say. 

“No task is an issue – he’s always happy to do it. 

CVGT Employment screens people to ensure they’re suitable for our work, while also organising wage subsidies and providing continued support to us and Adam.

 The role has proved a great fit for Adam, who loves getting up early for work each day after enduring so many years of frustration. 

“I’m learning new things every day, and they are happy to teach me,” he says. 

“I enjoy working with all the staff, everyone is friendly and easy to get along with.  

“I couldn’t work with a better group of people.” 

John and Grant are more than happy to encourage other business owners to diversify their workforce and employ people with a disability. 

“It’s great to help someone back into the workforce and see them develop,” they say. 

“We are willing teach if they are willing to learn. 

We’d encourage others to definitely give CVGT Employment a go – they do the screening and provide additional support, so we would definitely recommend them.

Read more Disability Employment success stories