VInce‘s Story
25 Years of Belonging
Vince’s Employment Story
Sometimes the best employment outcomes aren’t about getting the job. They’re measured in years, relationships, contribution and a real sense of belonging. For Vince, that number is 25.
At 47, Vince has just reached an incredible milestone: 25 years working at Woolworths.
To mark the occasion, his workplace held a surprise celebration in store. The people who have worked alongside him came together to recognise his contribution and what it means to be part of a workplace for a quarter of a century.
Fiona, Vince’s In Work Mentor from The Personnel Group, was there to celebrate too.
Fiona supports Vince through Ongoing Support, part of Inclusive Employment Australia. She visits him at work each week. This regular contact means Vince has support when he needs it, and it helps keep a strong connection with his employer.
Vince lives with an intellectual disability. For him, Ongoing Support is about continuing to do something he has done well for many years: working in open employment as a valued member of his team.
His support is tailored to him. It can include:
- working with his employer when extra support would help
- checking in on how things are going
- supporting his wellbeing and confidence at work
- helping when things change at work
After 25 years, Vince is a long-standing employee, a colleague and part of his workplace community. That is what genuine inclusion at work can look like.
Vince celebrates his 25th work milestone at Woolworths
This is an important part of In Work Support at The Personnel Group.
Our In Work Mentors are based in local communities. They spend much of their time out of the office, visiting workplaces and meeting people where they work. They build relationships with customers and employers, get to know each workplace, and stay connected as people’s working lives change.
Some customers need support for a short time while they settle into a new role. For others, like Vince, Ongoing Support continues over the long term. This gives consistency and helps people keep their jobs.
What makes Vince’s story special is what his celebration represents.
It was more than a thank-you for years of service. It showed a workplace where Vince is known, valued and included. His employer saw an important milestone and made the effort to celebrate it with him.
After 25 years, Vince is a long-standing employee, a colleague and part of his workplace community.