Whether he’s rocking out to thrash metal on the stage, or mastering the forklift in the warehouse, you can be sure Carl will give it everything he’s got.
And this passion hasn’t gone unnoticed.
After almost a decade in supported employment, the Endeavour Foundation employee recently transitioned into open employment; a goal he said had been a long time coming.
“I love what I do, and I think the promotion felt like a natural progression – one I truly deserved,” Carl said.
“Everyone has been really supportive. When I got the promotion, my co-workers were as excited for me as I was.”
Endeavour Foundation is Australia’s largest employer of people with intellectual disability.
It employs about 2600 people with disability across a broad range of jobs, enabling team members to live, learn, work and flourish according to their own interests and priorities.
Opportunities with equally exciting pathways are also on offer for locals in Ipswich.
Endeavour Foundation’s Ipswich Learning and Lifestyle Centre offers tailored support to help people develop life skills and achieve personal goals, while the Wacol Business Solutions site provides hands-on employment opportunities in packaging, manufacturing, and logistics, empowering individuals to grow both professionally and personally.
Similarly, during Carl’s time in supported employment, he also experienced personal and professional progression, developing key skills in logistics and warehouse management, while gaining confidence both in and out of the workplace.
In his new role, Carl will take on more responsibilities, from handling paperwork and computer-based tasks to ongoing training around company processes.
He will also be training others in forklift operations, something he’s particularly excited about.
Maroochydore Business Solutions Production Manager Andrew Dunn has worked alongside Carl for the past decade and has no doubt Carl will excel in his new role.
“It has been a pleasure to witness the growth of Carl over the years,” Mr Dunn said. “He is one of the kindest people you will ever meet.
“He’s dependable, trustworthy, and always coming up with ways we can improve.”
Carl’s unique perspective doesn’t just come from his work, but also from his creative life.
Outside of work, he produces dark fantasy horror illustrations and occasionally takes on commissions from bands for shirts, album covers, and logos.
And while he would love to have his favourite tunes blasting throughout the warehouse, he admits it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
“A lot of the guys here like their AC/DC and Cold Chisel, so we’ll probably stick to that,” he laughed.
Endeavour Foundation offers a range of pathways to help you to reach your goals, whatever they are.
Learn more at endeavour.com.au or by calling 1800 112 112.
