Damien was referred to Key from his high school back in 2011 as a 17-year-old.
Damien was born with Cerebral Palsy and being fiercely independent he has never let this slow him down. Damien successfully completed several Youth Programs through Key and was able to test the waters with a few different employment vocations as he entered his early 20’s.
In 2019 Damien was ready to take on a more challenging role and decided he would like to work with his hands in a mechanical role.
Damien’s Employment Consultant Anthony approached Coffs Auto Recyclers and Damien was hired as a labourer in this busy workshop. Within three months Damien had proved himself as an excellent employee and he was offered the opportunity to become an Apprentice mechanic.
4 years later Damien is proud to share he has completed his apprenticeship and is now a fully qualified mechanic.
Damien has been supported by Key through his entire employment journey. As a 17-year-old kid straight out of school discovering what his career path might be, through his entire apprenticeship and even now as a fully qualified mechanic Key continues to provide support as required by Damien.
“Key has supported me so much. They helped me discover what I wanted to do for a job and then helped me to get that job. They set up my entire apprenticeship, helped me do my coursework and paid for uniforms and any work tools I needed. They even helped me to get a G Scan tool that cost like $10 000. I couldn’t have finished my trade without it. Basically, whenever I have an issue at work or home I call my consultant and he is always there to help me. I couldn’t thank Key enough and would highly recommend them to anyone. It was just never about my disability at Key. It was always only ever about what I could do.”
