Student’s work skills a complete package

Student Jeremy Thornley has received a stamp of approval after completing work experience at Centennial Park Post Office, proving a diagnosis of autism and ADHD will not restrain him.

About to finish Year 12 at North Albany Senior High School, Mr Thornley has spent one day a week at the post office the entire school year.

He said his passion for keeping things neat and tidy made him well suited to the organisational system at the post office.

“It helps to have patient and understanding co-workers who are willing to accommodate my needs and are willing to make minor changes,” he said.

NASHS workplace learning support officer Janet McArtney said that even though Jeremy’s condition meant working could be difficult for him, he excelled in his duties with determination. “We encourage our students living with a disability to pursue career goals to gain employment, understanding that workplace training, choice and position needs to be matched to each student carefully,” Mr McArtney said. “Jeremy’s placement surrounded him with staff that were supportive and catered to his different learning style, enabling him to confidently complete his job tasks.”

He mastered duties in restocking merchandise, data entry, stocktaking, front service at the counter and assisting customers.

Centennial Park Post Office manager Annie Roberts said that Mr Thornley was eager to tackle any challenge put in front of him.

“Our team thrived on his energy, and we found his interest to understand the business and inner workings an asset to helping him develop his workplace skills,” she said.

At an emotional farewell last Thursday, it was evident Jeremy’s work experience had been life changing.