Josh has always had a desire to educate people about Disability and to assist people who have a Disability. And Josh is an expert on the matter. He has an intellectual Disability and knows first hand the challenges that people with a Disability face.

“I would help out the young kids with special needs, by escorting them to school on the school bus,” explains Josh. He also worked in a supported employment program, assisting and mentoring some of his colleagues who had higher needs than himself.

A Mount Druitt local, Josh was referred to WISE’s Disability Employment Network in Mt Druitt in September last year. By November, he had completed a work trial at Trans Vent, a local Penrith manufacturer and was employed as a Junior Production worker.

Josh has just celebrated his first 12 months at Trans Vent and his transformation is remarkable. Starting out as a shy, quiet achiever in an entry level role, he is now running production lines independently.

His confidence has grown and he is more relaxed and happy. “I love my job and I get along really well with everyone that I work with,” said Josh. “Trans Vent have been very supportive.”

Josh’s financial independence is another bonus. “It’s great to have money coming in so that I can save for the things that I really want.” When asked what he spends his money on, he replies “I’m saving for a holiday at the moment - to go and visit my Dad in Queensland for Christmas.”