Hiring a young man with cerebral palsy has made an unexpected difference to the workplace at Autobarn Hoppers Crossing.
Franchisee Ross Cooper says staff look forward to Kaleb Cruickshank’s shifts and customers love him, too.
“You just see people lift when he walks in,” Mr Cooper said. “He has grown to be an important part of our customer service team, and many of our customers have appreciated his bubbling personality.
“He may not be able to offer advice on technical issues regarding some aspects of our business, but he certainly can find a staff member who does.”
Kaleb says he enjoys working his two-hour shifts each Monday and Tuesday. His duties include vacuuming, cleaning windows, clearing spider webs, stocking the fridge, restocking the shelves, and organising paint codes.
His mother, Yvonne Tennyson – who works with Interact Australia, the organisation that made his employment possible – says Kaleb’s confidence and social skills have been boosted since he starting work.
“This is exactly what Interact Australia is all about: helping people with special needs to do whatever it is that they want to do.”
Kaleb has even organised an Autobarn Hoppers Crossing Joy Ride, an event for special-needs children on December 5, from 3–5pm. Children can get free rides on several hot rods on the day.
