Megan and APM Employment Services transcript

Megan: I'm Megan and I moved to Benalla just over 12 months ago for a tree change and sunshine. Got a brain tumour and I've had lots of surgery and so my memory's not great. I'm a secondary teacher, but I just couldn't keep up with the fast pace of all of the paperwork and, and just even remembering the kids names, to be honest. It's a bit heartbreaking because I spent all this time and money, you know, HECS and everything, becoming qualified. And then I've worked my way up the teacher pay scale, you know, which starts down here. And I finally made it to the top and then I couldn't teach anymore. And I was embarrassed that I couldn't be a teacher anymore. I did a science degree and it's like, well, ‘what are you?’ It's like, I'm nothing. I haven't got a title.

Janelle: So, we were looking for something really low stress, a supportive environment, so a really good employer is important. We found that, and we found a low stress job that fits in with her lifestyle. Making coffees, working out of the coffee van. She loves cooking. So, we said go and meet them, you know, see if it's the right fit. That was something she had never thought of before, but it's the right job for her.

Lisa: Megan was just so bubbly. She took to it straight away, immediately was happy to start serving customers and, you know, have a go at cooking. I just gave her a very short demonstration and you know, she was right into it. So, full of confidence, just was a great fit. I feel like she has really grown in the last six months. I feel like her confidence has really soared. Customer banter is always a big deal here and I really feel as though Megan settled into that role beautifully and the customers love her. She's made it a very personalised experience for them as well, which has been great.

Janelle: She's just new to Benalla, so she's connected to the community, she's seeing people, she's got a supportive employer and it really adds value to her life.

Lisa: APM, you know, checking in regularly. We have email support. I know that they're catching up with Megan regularly as well, and she feels very supported by them. The communication has been good. It's been very smooth sailing. You never know what you're going to get no matter who you employ. And so to have that recommendation, and they match someone up with you, I think they've done a brilliant job.

Janelle: The best part of my job is finding that that fit to help people and change their lives. And if you get it all right, you don't always, but if you get it all right, it's so…it fills your heart a bit.

Lisa: When we took on Megan, we knew that there was not going to be too many issues because you get such great support from the agency, so you're not in it by yourself. We really have found the whole process of employing someone with a disability so gratifying because you can really see the growth over time and it's a great feeling to be able to give someone an opportunity that they might not otherwise get.

Megan: It's all worked really well. It was amazing. Just go ask Janelle, she'll go get you a job that was so easy!