Partnership revs up local jobs

LONG-time Geelong-based automotive employer Ford has started up a new partnership with genU to deliver food services at three of Ford Australia’s onsite cafes, which is creating job opportunities for Geelong locals living with disabilities.

Food operations at Ford’s Lara proving ground, research and development centre in Geelong, and Asia-Pacific product development centre are now managed by genU’s Business Enterprises.

The partnership will create employment opportunities for up to 20 people living with disability who will work as baristas, in food preparation and in customer service.

“This is a great example of our commitment to creating and delivering services and support that empower people with a disability to reach their full potential,” genU chief exeucutive officer, Clare Amies said.

“Our experienced staff are supporting the cafes during the initial transition period.”

She said recruitment of supported employees started last month.

Ford Australia President and chief Andrew Birkic said the partnership with genU was an extension of the company’s ongoing work around inclusion and disability.

“We are working hard to make Ford a place where people living with disability are welcome and included.

” Having genU’s supported employees find a job they love alongside our Ford team is another way we can help to break down barriers around disability, especially when it comes to employment.”

Employment rates for people with disability are less than half when compared to those without disability.

As an organisation founded on building inclusive communities, genU has made a point of creating services focus on creating more employment opportunities for people with disability.

Aaron Bird, who has been employed by genU Business Enterprises for more than seven years, is one of these.

The barista and café all-rounder presently works in the genU Support Hub Seasons café and is renowned for his exceptional upselling skills.

“The best part of my job is making the coffees and upselling the muffins,” Mr Bird said.

“I get to be more social and have learned to cook new things. It’s built my confidence and I’m always happy. It makes me smile.”

While employment is a key benefit of the Ford Australia-genU partnership, genU – as a “profit-for-purpose” organisation – is also reinvesting its surpluses to deliver a diverse range of services to support people with disability and/or mental health challenges, ageing Australians, students, and the unemployed.

This means that every café purchase will do good, not only for the employee with disability, but also for Geelong residents who are getting access to genU support.