Time to celebrate a special milestone for Jack and all his accomplishments so far.
Scoresby’s Fleet Plant Hire marked Down Syndrome Awareness Month with a team trip to the annual Down Syndrome Victoria (DSV) StepUP! Melbourne event on 20 October, with matching t-shirts and an important member of staff along for the fun.
Jack was hired as a permanent part-time office assistant by Fleet Plant Hire in October 2023, after a structured process between Fleet and DSV. Jack’s appointment marked Fleet’s first venture into job carving, an approach that builds job roles around the individual and their personality and strengths, challenging traditional employment norms. They have since celebrated Jack’s one-year anniversary with Fleet.
DSV, the peak body representing Victorians with Down syndrome and their families, is proud of the success of this employment partnership with Fleet Plant Hire Solutions, a leading Australian plant hire and material solutions company. Fleet Plant Hire Solutions has seen remarkable achievements since appointing Jack, who has Down syndrome and whose contributions significantly enrich the company’s workforce.
With the support of Group Operations Manager Jade West and her team, Jack has shown incredible dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism in his role. His positive attitude and work ethic have not only boosted the workplace culture but also inspired his colleagues.
In marking his anniversary, Jade says, ‘The skills Jack has learnt has been awesome to watch. He has taken on new responsibilities, assists the team with over 100 phone calls a day, and supports our contractors with their compliance requirements and conducting audits. Jack, we’re incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved, both professionally and personally. Here’s to many more years with Fleet!’
An ingredient for the success of this appointment is the strong partnership between Fleet and DSV, including offering information for applicants in Easy Read, DSV supported Jack to settle into his new position, and educated the Fleet team about Down syndrome. During recruitment, preconceived judgements about Jack’s ability were removed.
Jade emphasised the company’s dedication to an inclusive work environment, stating, ‘We as a business are passionate about providing real opportunities. Jack is one of the Fleet Family and the impact he has on our business is immeasurable. I encourage businesses of all sizes to consider employment through DSV, it has been one of the most rewarding employment opportunities I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in.’
Jack expressed his gratitude saying, ‘I really like working at Fleet Plant Hire because I feel happy and I don’t feel like a person who has Down syndrome – I just feel like a normal worker.’
DSV CEO Daniel Payne shared, ‘We commend Fleet for their commitment to inclusivity and congratulate Jack on his achievements. Employing individuals with Down syndrome strengthens businesses while also promoting a more equitable society. We hope Jack’s story encourages other companies to work with DSV to create more employment opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.’
For more information about DSV’s Employment Connections Project:
Brendon Gray, brendong@dsav.asn.au or 03 9486 9600
Media enquiries:
Lucy Bain, Communications Manager, 0401 932 376 or lucyb@dsav.asn.au