Every Thursday afternoon, Flynn Barker heads out to work at Bolts and Fastenings proudly wearing his employer's polo and jump.
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The full-time team beam when Flynn comes through the door and the jokes and banter immediately follow as the 18-year-old turns to his whiteboard to see what jobs need to be ticked off through his shift.
Linked with the industrial business through Connecting Futures as part of his National Disability Insurance Scheme plan and School Leavers Employment Services, Flynn has grown and thrived since his first shift three months ago.
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"They're good people to work with," Flynn said. "My favourite part is helping make up the orders.
"I hope this can provide me with the opportunity to gain experience and life skills to earn money to save for a Dodge Ram."
One of his mentors is Kelly Browne, lights up when Flynn walks in.
"We all look forward to Flynn coming in on a Thursday," she said. "There's a group of us who take in turns getting Flynn in on our jobs.
"We don't want him to be doing the same job all the time so we mix it up and have him for a short period of time each.
"His banter and fun are great and it didn't take long for his cheekiness to come out, he's good fun. We all take him on and encourage him, but he encourages us too."
Flynn's career mentor at Connecting Futures, Julie Gardner drives the 18-year-old to work every week from his family's farm in Knowsley and has seen the benefits of the employment.
"For a successful job, we need to know the person and know they have an interest in what the role is about so that there's an attraction," she said.
"Flynn has a farming background and knows about this line of work and people here also have farming backgrounds so this is the right environment for him; it's a win-win.
"This is an open and supportive environment to take the time for Flynn to learn the trade.
Any business would be lucky to have Flynn, Bolts and Fastenings are the lucky ones here.
- Julie Gardner.
Connecting Futures director Scott McLarty commended Bolts and Fastenings for making Flynn's first job a welcoming environment.
"Flynn has the opportunity to role model what's possible," he said. "He has loved his time and is keen to spend as much time as possible at Bolts and Fastenings.
"I just want to see more working environments providing access and opportunities to all people."
Bolts and Fastenings managing director Jason Hannaford said having an NDIS work placement was something he always wanted to do, but was hesitant because of the possible outcomes.
"I always thought 'what if it didn't work out for the young person?' and that was my biggest hurdle," he said.
"Before Flynn came down for an interview, I had a chat with the whole team and asked it there was any hesitations. Everyone was really on board straight away and now they can't wait until Thursday.
"Flynn's quickly become a valued member of our team and has a sense of cohesion with everyone. It's certainly a real credit to our team as well.
"I would recommend this to anyone."
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