17 year old Julian has a weekend job working at the Nunawading Basketball Stadium canteen, and was recently invited to speak at a national event in Melbourne. The event was celebrating 1000 young people with disability finding jobs through Ticket to Work, and Julian was delighted to share his experience.

“Today I am talking about my job and my future,” said Julian, as he fronted the large crowd which included Victorian Minister for Industry and Employment, Ben Carroll.

“When I am grown up I want a job during the week like Mum and Dad. I want a job so I can get my own money and put it in the bank. I need to save my money so I can buy a house or a car in the future.”

EPIC provided on-the-job support to Julian for 19 months, helping him understand how to complete his tasks and work effectively as part of a team.

“Sonia [from EPIC] helps me learn all my different jobs,” explained Julian.

“I do lots of different things at work like frying food, making coffee and putting ice in bags for when the basketball players get hurt.

“Another job is to put the lollies into bags. I am very good at this because I never eat any of the frogs!” he said.

At his job, Julian has learnt all about the importance of accountability and following through with tasks. He is pleased to receive positive feedback for a job well done.

“First I make the coffee come out of the machine, then make the coffee flat by pulling the lever down. To make good coffee I have to heat the milk, then carefully pour the hot milk into the cup,” explains Julian.

“I put chocolate on the top if it’s a cappuccino, and put sugar in the coffee if the person wants sugar. Once the coffee is finished I put the lid on tight so the coffee does not spill, and then serve the coffee to the customer.

“My customers are happy with my coffee,” he said.

Julian has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new friends at work while earning a steady pay check.

“The people I work with are very nice. We are the canteen team!” said Julian.

“At the end of my shift I go to the window to get my pay.”

To watch Julian’s complete presentation, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwguipl4rQA&feature=youtu.be