From Work Experience to Supported Employment: Janaya’s Story
What comes to mind when you think about your dream job?
Maybe it is a place where you feel valued.
Maybe it is about building confidence, feeling capable and independent.
For Janaya, a Supported Employment role at Endeavour Foundation’s Wacol Business Solutions site, it is all that – and more.
Since her first work experience day in 2019, Janaya has taken proud steps forward in her employment journey.
With guidance from her Employment Coach, Kassadee, she has gained new skills, grown in confidence and embraced new disability employment opportunities along the way.
“I like having my own money and being independent,” Janaya said. “I don’t have to rely on anyone.”
Learning, Growing and Taking the Next Step
At Wacol, Janaya works in a team receiving on-the-job training and support tailored to her goals.
She is involved in packaging, labelling and preparing materials for dispatch – essential tasks that keep local businesses running smoothly.
“I like learning new things at work,” Janaya said. “The staff are great and help me if I get stuck.”
Through Supported Employment, she has built more than just job skills – she has developed confidence in herself and her abilities.
“She has grown so much,” said Kassadee. “You can see her pride when she discusses her work.”
A Pathway to Independence
But Supported Employment is just the beginning.
At Endeavour Foundation, Kassadee helps people with disability explore what is next – whether that is more responsibility, a different workplace, or eventually a role in Mainstream Employment.
“We support people to follow a path that works for them,” said Kassadee.
“That might start with Supported Employment in a safe, structured worksite, where people build confidence alongside others with disability.
“Then, if they feel ready, they can step into Hosted Employment – working in another business with our support.
“For some people, the goal is mainstream or NDIS employment.
“We help with that too – from resume writing to on-the-job training. We give people choice and control and help them grow in the direction they want.”
Kassadee has already seen people travel the full journey – from first shifts in supported employment all the way to working in open employment, independently.
“It is about opening doors,” she said. “With the right support at each stage, people thrive.”
“Work is important to me,” said Janaya. “It makes me feel proud.”
A New Milestone – Gaining her White Hat
For Janaya, Supported Employment is a place where she feels valued, supported and encouraged to try new things.
And her hard work has not gone unnoticed.
She recently reached an exciting milestone – earning her White Hat.
Team members who wear a White Hat are building leadership skills and taking on more responsibility.
For Janaya, this means being a Line Assistant in-training – trusted to guide her peers and support others on the job.
“I’m super excited,” Janaya said. “Getting my White Hat means I am learning more and helping my team.”
This huge step shows just how far she has come since starting her journey – and what a strong future she is working towards.
Reaching for the Next Goal
With her White Hat proudly in place, Janaya has her sights set on the next step: the Blue Hat.
The Blue Hat is awarded to full Line Assistants – people who have developed the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead a team with minimal support.
“She has stepped up,” said Kassadee. “She is asking great questions, showing initiative and supporting other team members when they need help. That is leadership in action.”
“I want to get my Blue Hat next,” Janaya said. “It shows I can be a leader and help others. That’s what I want.”
Driving into the Future
Janaya’s next goal? Getting behind the wheel of a forklift.
Thanks to Virtual Reality (VR) training technology, that dream is already within reach.
“She will use the VR forklift trainer, so she can safely practise in a low-pressure, high-tech environment to build her skills and confidence,” said Kassadee.
“It is a fantastic stepping stone towards real-life forklift operation.”
For Janaya, it is an exciting challenge.
“I want to learn everything I can,” she said. “Driving a forklift would be awesome!”
Find Your Place with Supported Employment
At Endeavour Foundation, we understand that employment looks different for everyone.
Whether you are just starting your employment journey or ready for something new, we are here to support your goals, build your skills and cheer you on every step of the way.
Our employment support programs are designed to open doors to meaningful work and lasting independence.
With a variety of pathways to explore, we help people find the right fit for their skills, interests, and ambitions.
This includes options available through NDIS employment as well as opportunities outside of the NDIS. No matter which path you take, getting started with us is simple and straight forward.
Ready to discover what is possible?
We are hiring! Explore disability employment opportunities with Endeavour Foundation today.