Our team at Sydney Airport has welcomed three employees through a fantastic new initiative that supports people with disabilities to join Menzies Aviation.

Carlotta, Stuart and Elizabeth started as Passengers with Restricted Mobility (PRM) Assistants last month after taking part in a three-day pre-employment programme, which was run in collaboration with Angus Knight Group to give participants from Jobfind and Joblife’s Disability Employment Services the platform to explore job opportunities at Menzies.

To mark this year’s International Day of People with Disabilities on 3 December, we asked Carlotta, Stuart and Elizabeth about their experience of working at Menzies so far.

Carlotta said: “We are all together helping each other, working as a team and we respect each other. It is an awesome environment to be in. It’s really amazing. I ask if they can extend my shift because I don’t want to go home, I love it. I always wanted to work at the airport and now I am here working!”

Stuart said: “Meeting a lot of people, having a lot of conversations and I get to look at the aircraft on the tarmac. I used to do nothing and now I do the things that I didn’t think I thought I’d be doing. I am now a more energetic, social and disciplined person and that makes me love myself and want to do more for that. My life has changed for the better. I love what I do, who I do it with, who I do it for. I love everything! For once in my life, I am at the place I wanted to be at most.”

Elizabeth said: “I feel like I have a second lease on life since starting work with Menzies. My brain feels sharper and I feel physically fitter. I enjoy meeting people and love the energy of the workplace. My induction was good and the trainer was very patient and understanding.”

Menzies is certainly lucky to have you! Thank you to our Sydney team for being so welcoming to Carlotta, Stuart and Elizabeth.

Juliet Thomson, Chief People Officer at Menzies Aviation said: “International Day of People with Disabilities is about promoting a greater understanding of disability issues and increasing support for the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disabilities.

“At Menzies, we are committed to creating a future where equality, inclusion and fairness are experienced by all. Building on the success of the first pre-employment programme, a second session is being planned by our Sydney team. I’m thrilled to hear that Carlotta, Stuart and Elizabeth are enjoying their new roles and look forward to welcoming more people with disabilities to our global team of 35,000.”

Karena Newland, CEO of Jobfind and Joblife said: “We commend Menzies Aviation on their inclusive recruitment practices which have given participants of our disability employment services opportunities to commence a rewarding career with them.”

Find out more about International Day of People with Disabilities 2022