I have been a part of Sea Change since it opened in 2019, I started as a volunteer and then became a paid worker through Access to Work in May 2024. I don’t come from a formal education, my first time in education was at the age of 20 when I joined AutismAble, our partner. So, getting the opportunity to work at Sea Change is something I never thought would ever be possible.
Through the support and guidance of the supervisors, I have gone on to achieve multiple certifications to do with customer service, food hygiene, first aid, health and safety, mixology and barista training.
I have been given the opportunity to progress from trainee to mentor, right up to acting supervisor for a bit.
Sea Change is so much more than my workplace, it’s a second home to me. I come to see the people I work with and my friends. I feel like I’m part of something much bigger when I work here. I get to contribute and make suggestions; my ideas are taken on board and I get to help put the word out there and tell people why what we do is so important and how people can help.
I hope to volunteer at Sea Change for many years to come and be part of the next steps which include training other employers about autism acceptance and employment inclusivity.
