Andrew, a paid trainee in our Canberra hub, has experienced somewhat of a transformation since joining Jigsaw in 2024, with a noticeable improvement in his confidence and wellbeing.
After earlier workplace experiences shook his confidence, the supportive environment at Jigsaw has helped Andrew rebuild his trust in his abilities, while the friendships and workplace connections he has formed have further strengthened his confidence.
“I’m really enjoying the friendships at Jigsaw. I come in here every morning and everyone’s happy and smiling. It’s nice to come into a lovely environment with people you can enjoy the day with.
“The staff are also lovely here. They’re very helpful, very funny, you can have a laugh with them and they don’t take it too seriously. It’s just a nice environment to work in.”
It’s not just the social support that’s helping Andrew grow – Jigsaw’s Academy program also provides him with the soft and transferable skills he needs to succeed in the mainstream workforce.
By focusing on practical skills like organisation, communication, and workplace routines, Jigsaw’s Academy program ensures participants feel confident and capable, rather than overwhelmed or discouraged. For Andrew, these skills are already helping him prepare for his long-term goal of running his own car business.
“The computer skills I’ve learned will be very helpful. When you get into the business of cars, you’ve got to enter all the stuff into the computer – when you sell the car and when the new cars come in,” said Andrew.
His new skills and connections have led to a big change in his demeanour – and his life in general.
“We’ve seen a remarkable improvement in him and his behaviours, and how successful he is just from working with our team here at Jigsaw,” said Andrew’s Zone Manager, Laura. “He has exceptional rapport with the staff and individuals, and we’ve been complimented by his behavioural support team on how well we, and Andrew, have managed the transition.”
“He’s thriving, absolutely thriving and our staff have been instrumental in supporting him day-to-day, helping with strategies if something unsettles him.”
“His support coordinator is very impressed with how far he’s grown as a person and how we’ve nurtured him to be the best version of Andrew that he can be.”
Andrew’s growth has highlighted the importance of collaboration between care teams, like that between Jigsaw and Andrew’s Behaviour Support team.
“We work closely with his behaviour support team to implement behaviour support plans. His behaviour support practitioner comes in to see how Andy is doing and the last time he visited, he said he didn’t know what to say – his improvement has been remarkable.
“Having a person-centred approach, with staff who know him well, lets us provide strategies and coping mechanisms that have been instrumental in his growth,” said Laura.
Zoey, Andrew’s Support Coordinator, has also recognised Andrew’s improvements, crediting Jigsaw for helping him reach his potential.
“Jigsaw has shown exceptional dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for participants. In particular LJ, has shown her person-centred approach, encouragement, and commitment to creating real employment opportunities truly makes a difference. I am extremely grateful for their consistent collaboration,” said Zoey.
For Andrew, the skills he has developed at Jigsaw are already making a tangible difference. His increased confidence with computers is helping him build the practical knowledge he will need to manage a business, track inventory, and process sales – essential skills for his goal of running his own car business one day. These digital skills, combined with his strengthened workplace routines and communication abilities, are laying the foundation for future success.
With the ongoing support of Jigsaw’s staff and the strong relationships he has formed, Andrew is not only building the technical skills needed for his career but also thriving socially and emotionally. The friendships he has formed and the guidance he receives daily contribute to a positive and motivating work environment, helping him grow both personally and professionally.
Andrew’s story is a powerful example of how person-centred support, practical skills development, and a welcoming workplace culture can transform confidence, in turn improving wellbeing, and opening up future career opportunities.
The Jigsaw team looks forward to witnessing Andrew’s future success.
If you’re a person with disability working towards mainstream employment, or a business ready to build a more inclusive workplace, visit our website to learn more.
About Jigsaw
Jigsaw is a social enterprise that provides an innovative pathway to mainstream employment for people with disability. By embedding a comprehensive skill-based training program within our commercial document and data management business, Jigsaw enables people with disability to achieve their employment goals at their own pace. Jigsaw’s holistic approach starts from the very basics of core work skills and supports trainees all the way through to transition to open employment with ongoing support and coaching once they have transitioned. Jigsaw is located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra.