Behind the doors of the Drizzled Bakery workshop in Jandakot, owner Ateba Malik is adding a dash of diversity and inclusion to her baked goods recipes.
“It was December and I got a call asking if I would like to hire a trainee,” says Malik.
The opportunity to hire someone with a disability presented itself after one of her employees resigned during the Christmas period.
“I was like, perfect timing, because we had a baker who was leaving.”
Since then, Liza, who has autism, became a trainee of the bakery and an integral part of the Drizzled Bakery crew, helping to improve the bakery’s process and productivity.
“Liza’s dedication is 100% and I feel like it’s because of her passion for baking,” says Malik.
Malik personalised the training plan for Liza, which has led to the making of more delicious baked goods, but also a positive learning outcome.
“She wrote the recipes in a much cleaner manner for me, and I asked if I could have a copy to share with the rest of the team,” she adds. “That was brilliant. It was great.”
Diversity builds a stronger team
Mailk encourages other businesses to appreciate the value that a diverse workforce can bring.
“People with disabilities will give you lots of ideas, and eventually they will master the skills [needed], making them reliable team members for the future,” she says.
“Apprentice Connect Providers, like Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA), simplifies the entire process for employers hiring apprentices, including those who have disabilities,” says CCIWA Education Development Advisor Jonni Taylor.
Taylor worked with ASA’s Careers Support team and identified Drizzled Bakery as a potential employer for Liza after being approached by Ability Action, an NDIS provider.
“Support is available every step of the way – from contract preparation and incentives eligibility to mentoring assistance and additional support,” she says.
This opportunity motivated the small business to take a step forward in championing diversity in the workplace.
“The benefits of employing someone with a disability into your work team is that it really increases the diversity of the people that you have working at your workplace,” Taylor adds.
“Everyone works differently. And I think this diversity can improve cohesion and synergy.”
Contact Ability Link to learn more about how CCIWA can help you achieve your business goals through disability employment.
