advertorial
service with attitude
It usually takes years to build up
a bond of loyalty and trust with a
new employer. But on the day in
July 2016 that Telstra Discovery
Store Leader Wendy Duff gave
Brad Emin his first job, she earned
his loyalty for life. “I’ll always be
grateful to Wendy,” says Brad. “I’ll
follow her into battle and stay true
to her forever.”
Brad, a cheerful, capable 26-year-
old, has an intellectual disability
and lived for years on welfare
payments while he studied and tried
to find work. He was beginning to
consider himself “unemployable”
until a new initiative by Telstra’s
flagship Melbourne store offered
him and fellow jobseeker Bella
Penfold part-time jobs.
You can teach
a person a
job, but not
an attitude...
“But I’ve discovered I’m really “You can teach a person a job,
good at that!”. but not an attitude – and Brad
and Bella both have wonderful
Brad and Bella work on alternate
days, keeping the counters
stocked, the printers running, the
computer screens and keyboards
sanitised. These are critical tasks
that help keep the store running
Six months on, the experience has
smoothly every day.
had a positive impact on everyone
involved.
The Melbourne store has gained
a reputation for its friendly social
“This is the first time I’ve had to do conscience, with a café staffed
things on my own,” says Bella, 22. by asylum seekers and a ‘pop-up
“When I was at TAFE, I always had space’ run by the Wise Foundation.
someone helping me take notes But Brad and Bella’s employment
and do assignments. But here I is a new endeavour – and one
have to be punctual and be very their manager Cameron Knox is
organised. particularly proud of.
linkonline.com.au
attitudes,” says Cameron.
Telstra’s Careers team,
including our Disability
Champions, are trained
to ensure people with a
disability are included
and supported through
the recruitment process.
For more information
and to see a list of
current opportunities,
please visit telstra.com/
careers.
telstra
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