Jobs work out

By Kelly Yates
WORKPLACE diversity is on the menu at local McDonald’s restaurants.
Seven Casey residents with intellectual disabilities have joined the crews at McDonald’s Berwick, Berwick South and Hampton Park over the past year.
The employees were placed at the restaurants with the help of Dandenong Valley Job Support (DVJS), a not-for-profit disability employment agency for job seekers living with intellectual, physical, psychiatric, acquired brain injury, neurological, hearing and visual disabilities.
The aim of the initiative is to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce.
McDonald’s Berwick licensee Ian Seal, who has been helping spearhead the workplace change, described the staff he has employed at the restaurants as being friendly and professional.
For the past couple of years Mr Seal has been hiring special needs people from DVJS for dining room work or maintenance.
“The results I’ve seen with their work ethic, attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm for the job are second to none,” he said.
Mr Seal is encouraging other local business to jump on board and support the initiative.
“They need to give it a go as the results are nothing but positive,” he said.
Manager of DVJS Cranbourne Rob Speirs said McDonald’s had proven to be an advocate for equal opportunity in the workforce.
“To hold a job is one of the most rewarding things a person can do in life,” Mr Speirs said.
By offering award wages and conditions to all their employees, McDonald’s allow the DVJS clients to enrich their lives by providing them with an opportunity to be socially engaged and financially contributing members of the community.
For details about Dandenong Valley Job Support visit www.dvjs.com.au.