At Asuria, we're always looking to build relationships with businesses that understand the importance of providing equal opportunities.
Over the past year, Asuria has helped create many happy jobseekers and happy meals, thanks to our work in partnering with local McDonalds Restaurants across the Sydney Hunter region.
Thanks to our partnership, we’ve unlocked the potential of eight job seekers with disabilities by successfully placing them into confidence-boosting roles with several Hunter restaurants.
Having worked at the famous fast-food chain for over 12 years before starting her career at Asuria, Disability Employment Services (DES) Mentor Jenni Hurley, knew that the training and environment McDonald’s offered would be perfect for her job seekers.
Among the two job seekers at Kurri Kurri McDonald’s, one at Gillieston Heights, and five at the Thornton restaurant, is 21-year-old Hannah, who struggled to manage her anxiety for many years.
“I would just freak out at the thought of working or anything out of my comfort zone,” said Hannah.
Walking into the doors of Asuria’s Hunter office in 2020, Hannah was convinced that her anxiety would prevent her from making it past the interview stage.
Hannah’s relationship with Jenni began to flourish with each appointment, and although she was hesitant at first, she trusted that Jenni would have her best interests at heart.
“She reassured me everything was alright; she’s very good at doing that. I remember she decided that working at McDonald’s would be the best for my confidence boost.”
To prepare for the interview and help ease her anxious thoughts, Jenni worked through interview questions and modelled for Hannah how working at McDonald’s helped shape her own skills and resilience.
“Having someone there who is supportive and knows what they’re doing and saying really helps,” said Hannah.
Although working triggered her anxiety at first, Kurri Kurri Restaurant Manager Liam, and former Assistant Manager Bree, worked closely with Jenni and Asuria to ensure Hannah would have the support she needed to get through her shifts.
Thanks to her past experience as a Crew Trainer, Jenni could assist Hannah with some of her work responsibilities. On some occasions, Jenni would drive to the restaurant at all times of the day to guide Hannah through her anxiety management strategies.
Over time, Hannah found herself relying on Jenni less and less.
“I’ve changed a lot. I remember when I first started, I was a mess, and a three-hour shift would kill me. I was really nervous and shy; I would barely speak. Now, I’m a lot more confident, and if I need something, I can yell out to someone to get it.”
Another Asuria job seeker with a similar experience is 20-year-old Kai.
Kai is employed by McDonald’s Thornton, where he works alongside four other Asuria Disability Employment Services clients, who live with conditions such as depression and autism.
Kai’s anxiety and parts of his learning disability interfered with his ability to find work. Now, having been employed for over a year in the drive-through, he says the support and training at Thornton has transformed his confidence.
“It’s actually helped me a lot. I’m getting better with money, and I feel more confident talking to customers because I’m not stuffing up anything,” said Kai.
Gilliston Heights Restaurant Manager Bree, who previously worked as the Assistant Manager at Kurri Kurri McDonalds, says the additions to her staff have been a great success.
“It is important for McDonald's to hire people with a disability as it conveys and promotes an inclusive work environment. They work just as hard, if not a little harder, than any other worker without a disability. We want to give everyone a fair chance, and the opportunity to work.”
Bringing all of this to fruition, Mentor Jenni says it has been a pleasure watching her clients blossom.
“To be able to work in partnership with McDonald’s has provided the opportunity for our clients to overcome their fears and provide them with new skills, leading them to become a valuable member of a close-knit team. It is a real privilege to be raising disability awareness through supporting managers, trainers and the community.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about Asuria’s unique approach to Disability Employment Services (DES), click here.
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