Our Employment Support team had the privilege of joining key decision makers at the most recent Aruma Human Rights Advisory Committee meeting. The Human Rights Advisory Committee meets monthly to discuss important challenges and opportunities to ensure that human rights, dignity, and equal opportunities are not just values at Aruma, but part of our everyday actions and decision-making process.
Our Supported Employees tell their story
One of the most inspiring parts of the day was hearing directly from Supported Employees on their career pathway at Aruma. Their experiences help guide how Aruma improves and continues building inclusive work opportunities that are purposeful and empowering.
The group heard from:
Charlotte – Commercial Kitchen, Summerland Farm
Charlotte started with Aruma through school-based work experience, then applied for supported employment in the Summerland Farm Restaurant. Charlotte soon found her love for cooking and has transitioned into the kitchen team as a supported cook and completing TAFE certification in commercial cookery.
Asked about her favourite thing about working in the kitchen team, she said “It’s a really nice supportive environment in the kitchen. I’ve got really great team leaders and head chef. I like baking by doing pastry and making the salads and the prawn subs.”
Craig – Manufacturing Team, Newcastle
Craig works in Aruma’s manufacturing business in Newcastle, where the team manufacture and customising metal products for construction, mining and other industries. Craig loves learning to use new tools and working towards independently completing tasks, like drilling holes in tap hole post for All Engineering using a radial arm drill, cleaning cut steel round bars for Atlas steel or processing the Downer pan panels.
Craig’s favourite part of the job is “My friends and doing tap hole posts!”
Zac – Horticulture Team, Summerland Farm
Zac is a key team member within the Horticulture Team and is being supported in his goal to complete his forklift license. Zac is currently learning to master the electric manual fork lifter to move pallets of stock in the pack shed. When asked what Zac loves about his job: “Meeting new people and helping out with lots of different jobs”.
Employment pathways at Aruma
At Aruma, we recognise that no two journeys to employment are the same. We have a range of pathways available to suit individual goals, interest and skills.
- School Work Experience – through our Aruma businesses
- Work Ready Program – building skills and confidence to transition to supported or open employment
- Supported Employment – gaining skills and career pathways in Aruma businesses, including:
- Summerland Farm (Hospitality + Horticulture)
- Aussie Biscuits
- Manufacturing
- Commercial Laundry
- Facility Management
For more information check out our Support Employment page.
