If you happen to drop off your coat at the Sydney Opera House cloakroom this season, chances are you’ll be greeted with a big smile and a friendly chat. That’s Mikey – Jigsaw graduate, Eastern Suburbs local legend, and now, one of the newest faces behind the scenes at Australia’s most iconic venue.
He’s incredibly proud of his new role, and the world-class views from his new office are the icing on the cake.
Before stepping into his customer service role at the iconic venue, Mikey has been completing comprehensive pre-employment training—both online and in person—to set himself up for success. His responsibilities include collecting patrons’ bags, jackets, and umbrellas before performances and returning them at the end of the show. He’ll also be ready to give directions and provide information as needed.
Mikey is perfect for the role, with a natural affinity for helping others, and an uncanny ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. It’s this social nature that will make Mikey an asset at the Sydney Opera House.
Michael Summers, Partnership Manager at Jigsaw, can attest to Mikey’s social skills, describing a time when he accompanied Mikey to a job trial in Alexandria, and realised just how well connected Mikey is. “Mikey and I were walking to get lunch when he suddenly stopped to chat with someone he knew on the street—just having a big old yarn. That sort of sums Mikey up. He knows everyone and always takes the time to connect,” said Summers.
Mikey’s transition to his new role at the Opera House has been supported by Jigsaw every step of the way. Tim Hayes, from Jigsaw’s Connect team, recently ran a disability awareness training session with Mikey’s new team, helping them to understand Mikey’s strengths and any support he might need.
“Tim Hayes has been helping me with the process. We did a session with my new managers, learning the ins and outs of how to manage me, and what I’m like,” said Mikey.
Jigsaw’s training pathway has also helped to prepare Mikey for his new role, increasing his confidence in a range of transferable skills that will be invaluable in his new career.
“I’ve learnt how to be professional in the workplace, how to dress, how to communicate with people including people with different disabilities and just understanding what people want or need.”
While Mikey is grateful for his learnings at Jigsaw, he makes a very good point about the current employment landscape in Australia.
“I think people need to be more understanding of people with disability, because I’ve been to so many job interviews, and I was just asking Summers earlier, why is it easy for you guys to get a job, but it’s hard for someone like me to get a job?”
Mikey’s question is a valid one. Currently in Australia, the unemployment rate for people with disability stands at 7.3 percent – more than double the unemployment rate for people without disability.
His message to employers is clear and powerful: “Give us a chance. If you want us to type something, we’ll do it. If you want us to learn something, we’ll do it. Just be more understanding.”
On reflection, Mikey shares that he’s learnt some valuable lessons at Jigsaw, not only in regards to work-readiness, but also about himself.
“I’ve learnt that I’m resilient. There have been some ups and downs, but I’ve learnt to just take them as they come. Whether it’s people saying yes or no, I’ve just learnt to show people that I can do it. I can do the job.”
As a Jigsaw graduate, Mikey has a message for people considering joining Jigsaw to pursue their own goal of mainstream employment: “It’s brilliant—really amazing. You get to meet fun, interesting people, and there are so many kind managers and great people to work with. I’ve learnt so much from being here, and I have Jigsaw to thank for that.”
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.