The friendly face of Laura Rayner greets customers who shop at the Coles store in Davis Road, Tarneit.
Ms Rayner, 20, said that working as a door-greater at Coles was her first-ever job.
Ms Rayner, who has autism, said that before landing the role at Coles, said she had felt a lack of confidence when looking for work.
“In past job interviews or past working opportunities, I feel that I can sometimes come across as a bit too shy,” Ms Rayner said.
However, earlier this year she built up her interview skills through specialist employment agency MAX Employment.
This helped Ms Rayner to gain her Coles job, after an interview with the store’s manager Mona El Haouli.
“I look forward to coming to work at Coles every day as I know that I’ll be learning something new each shift and that I have such a supportive team that are always looking out for my needs,” Ms Rayner said.
Ms Haouli said she was pleased to offer Ms Rayner a job, after seeing her “full potential” during the interview.
“She is a valued member of the team and plays an important part in welcoming our customers to the store and carrying out the procedures we’ve put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Haouli said.
“We always want team members with diverse backgrounds and abilities to feel like they can be their authentic selves at work.”
MAX Employment placement consultant Yashna Tamrakar said she was delighted to see Ms Rayner flourishing in her role at Coles.
“She’s a great role model for other young people, including people with disabilities,” Ms Tamrakar said.
