Liam's Story
Learn about Liam Denning, who found a job working with Kmart through the IncludeAbility Illawarra pilot program
Summary
In 2023, Liam Denning found a job working with Kmart through the IncludeAbilityIllawarra pilot program. Years later, he continues to thrive in his role and shares the impacts this experience has had on him.
About Liam
Liam Denning was one of the 15 people with disability who found paid employment during the Illawarra pilot.
[Work] has given me the routine and stability I have needed for a very long time
The IncludeAbility project is an initiative led by the Commission since 2020 that aims to fulfil the right of people with disability to employment on an equal basis with others.
The project works with proactive employers to run pilot employment programs that increase employment opportunities for people with disability.
IncludeAbility Illawarra was a pilot run in the Illawarra region of New South Wales in partnership with specialist disability employment provider The Disability Trust.
The Pilot has had an incredible impact on my life, and I couldn’t be happier with the results of the program.
He explained that before getting involved with the pilot, he had extensive work experience in hospitality, retail, and warehousing, for chains like Hut, Coles, The Reject Shop and Salvos.
“Unfortunately, due to the personal obstacles I have faced throughout my life, I had trouble securing any employment beyond work placement and volunteering. This was an extremely difficult and confronting period of my life. I felt I was trying all I could to secure employment, but every attempt I made would conclude with me being turned away before any chance at an interview.”
“These experiences really highlight the difficulties that people with disability face when looking for employment, and the lack of support employers provide to us.”
Being set up for success
Employers who signed up the Illawarra pilot committed to offering employment to at least one pilot participant for a minimum of 13 weeks at a minimum of 15 hours per week at full award wages.
Employers involved in the pilot included Kmart, Australia Post, University of Wollongong Global and College, and Illawarra iTech.
The pilot required employers to trial out new recruitment and onboarding practices that were more person-centred and customised to the needs and strengths of each job candidate.
After being turned away so often, Liam said he felt was unsure about whether he would ever be able to find employment.
The pilot with Kmart really addressed these concerns.
Liam said:
“The pilot with Kmart really addressed these concerns. Due to my anxiety, I often mentally blank, panic or stutter. This is exacerbated in social situations where I feel a lot of pressure. Before my interview, I was very worried and unsure if I was going to be able to pull it off successfully.”
“However, from the moment I had my interview, I felt that all my needs were being taken into consideration, and I was surprised by how accommodating Kmart was.”
He described how the additional support and the conversation-style interview – instead of rapid fire questions - alleviated his anxiety. When the interview was over, he felt a strong sense of fulfilment and pride.
I have been working with Kmart for close to two years...without the pilot and the assistance it provided to Kmart and team members like me, I would have struggled to secure employment.
Liam said:
“Since then, I have been working with Kmart for close to two years, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My progress, through being part of this pilot, has taken me to new heights, and I have consistently been getting extremely positive feedback. Without the pilot and the assistance it provided to Kmart and team members like me, I would have struggled to secure employment.”
“Not only has it helped me become part of the workforce, it has helped me progress and grow into a more mature, confident and improved version of myself.”
Liam says working at Kmart has not only improved his working life, but his personal life has also shifted dramatically.
“Having that balance of being able to go to my job, make an honest living for myself, and being able to just relax after I clock off feels very refreshing. It has given me the routine and stability I have needed for a very long time. I have the Pilot to thank for that.”
