As we battle our way through a cold winter, we begin to cling to the hope of something warmer over the horizon. Promises of a sunny spring help us endure. And what’s more ‘springtime’ than a handful of freshly picked juicy berries?
My Berries is a food production company based in Caboolture, and they’re doing their part to make sure everyone’s getting Australian-grown handfuls of spring to enjoy. They ensure that the abundance of fruit that local farmers produce in peak season doesn’t go to waste.
For the community, My Berries is a generous distribution company supporting farmers. For Travis, it’s all that and a crucial component about keeping a stable work/life balance.
Travis is a Caboolture local who handles the processing and packing of frozen fruit and freeze-dried berries in the My Berries Warehouse.
He packages and sorts strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Once he’s done that, he processes them and makes sure the best ones get sent to shops all across Australia.
Sweet job perks at My Berries
“My favourite part of the job is processing the fruit. Since we need to test if it is good product, we get to eat some of the fruit. It’s always delicious and it’s a great way to keep your energy up on the job.
“I love the smell of it all too. You never get tired of smelling fresh fruit,” said Travis warmly.
His job at My Berries isn’t Travis’ first time being employed, but it certainly was something new to him when it came to the nature of his work. He’d never worked with fruit before, so it was different to what he was typically used to.
Thanks to the support of EPIC Assist, he was able to settle into his new environment nicely.
EPIC Assist (EPIC) is a local Disability Employment Services (DES) provider that connects job-ready people with disability with supportive and inclusive workplaces.
“It took me a bit to get the hang of the work, but I am really enjoying it. It’s a good change,” Travis said confidently.
Travis gushed about the support he’s gotten from EPIC and how much it’s helped him at My Berries. He himself calls it a great relationship and is much less nervous as he knows that his EPIC consultant is always a phone call away if he needs a hand.
Travis ripens in his role
Travis also feels quite personally fulfilled in his job at My Berries. He feels that his bosses recognise the potential he has and are always encouraging him to soar to greater heights within his role.
“They always want to see me learn and grow. They’re helping me achieve my potential and they have given me training courses to complete. I’m doing some of those now,” Travis explained proudly.
Both his bosses and Travis himself were quick to assure us of just how much Travis has improved since starting at My Berries. As a matter of fact, they have been speaking to Travis about him stepping into a leadership role sometime soon. Travis couldn’t be more excited.
Beyond the career improvement aspect, we asked Travis why the work he does at My Berries is important to him. He told us that it gave him a whole new outlook on life. For Travis, after putting it into practice, it became evident just how essential a good work/life balance was for him.
“If I work hard, it means I can have a better time enjoying my free time. The job means that I get to make money to fund my life outside of work. It’s like a balanced system,” Travis said.
Smoothie sailing ahead for Travis
When looking towards his future, Travis is happy to stay at My Berries and continue to develop his skillset and evolve in his role. He explained that he feels pretty good where he is now and he’s content to “go with the flow.” He’s feeling supported, feeling good about the work he does, and feels comfortable and relaxed in the work environment.
And, as Travis aptly put it himself, “There’s nothing about that I really want to change.”
Before we let him get back to the berries, Travis left us with some advice he’d give to anyone who was thinking about joining EPIC.
“Be open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to seek help or ask questions. When there’s anything you’re unsure of – EPIC will handle it!”
If you have a disability, injury, mental health condition, or health condition, contact us today to find out how we can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job you love.
If you’re thinking of hiring a person with disability, start the conversation with us today by phoning 13 EPIC (3742) or sending us a message.
