Mark’s back in the driver’s seat
Kadina-local and truck driver Mark Abela experienced a severe medical event.
Following a long recovery journey, Mark received the all-clear from his medical team and was keen to get back into employment. He commenced with Sureway Kadina’s Disability Employment Services (DES) team to ensure he had the right support for this next stage of his career.
Mark discussed with his Employment Consultant how he had been unsuccessful to-date in regaining employment due to his health status, despite having a strong and reliable work history. Together they worked on identifying re-entry points into the industry. It wasn’t long before Mark landed a maintenance role washing trucks and his Sureway team supported him to gain his White Card for the new work environment.
The search for Mark’s ideal role, truck driving, continued. While he was successful in sourcing some work, the 3-4 week trip schedules had far too great of an impact on Mark’s young family. They persevered knowing that the right role was out there. And they were right!
In December 2020, Mark landed a driving role with Harrold’s Transport. Starting out on a part-time basis, Mark reported back to his Consultant that he was thrilled with the job.
Only two months into his employment, Mark began to take on extra responsibility in booking loads with the Quarry.
Consultant Merrylyn said, “he has moved up through these extra responsibilities with confidence, it was wonderful to see him loving the work.”
With the work coming easily to him, Mark progressed into a supervisory role and now recently has been appointed as Assistant Manager!
Now in charge of employment, he has employed his latest staff member from Sureway Kadina. Knowing how having employment could so positively impact a persons’ life, Mark put much effort into carving the role for his new team member.
The new staff member will have the opportunity to be trained in driving the range of fleet vehicles and the business will be purchasing a new truck to suit their new hire.
About Mark’s exceptional path back to employment, Merrylyn said, “Mark has excelled in his employment. It has been a pleasure to support him in his employment for the past 52 weeks. He is mentoring his new team member and has a very calm and professional approach to the position. He deserves all of the successes he has achieved.”
Whenever they are in touch, Mark is always sure to remind the Kadina DES team of his appreciation for the encouragement and support he has received along his journey, stating that without this he may still be looking for work today.
Returning to the workforce following an injury, illness or disability? Get in touch with us on 1300 SUREWAY (1300 787 392) or [email protected] to find out how we can help.
