Apprenticeship Support Australia – WA (ASA) has built an inclusive workplace culture that recognises individual strengths, provides meaningful employment opportunities and ensures every employee feels valued and supported.
Admin Support Officer Sophia Bowden, who lives with Down syndrome, has developed practical workplace skills while making a valuable contribution to her team.
Her responsibilities include data entry, kitchen and stationery stock takes, restocking supplies, and preparing meeting rooms, helping ensure the workplace runs smoothly.
ASA Apprenticeship Administration Manager Candice Mallon said Sophia was well supported throughout the recruitment and induction process.
“We still had a formal interview with Sophia and went through questions to see how she would fit with our culture, and there was the standard employment contract process as well,” she said.
Sophia quickly became a valued member of the team, building relationships with colleagues while gaining confidence in her role.
“Sophia’s working well with the team. She gets to know people in the kitchen in the morning. They come up and have a chat, and yeah, she’s asking questions and going really well,” Mallon said.
Sophia’s experience at ASA highlights the importance of creating employment opportunities that encourage workplace diversity and inclusion.
Mallon said the benefits of inclusive employment have had a broader impact on the organisation, by challenging perceptions and fostering greater understanding.
“I think it gives people maybe some exposure they wouldn’t have had in the past and sort of breaks down those barriers,” she said.
“It just helps to promote that inclusive environment.”
“Employers shouldn’t be afraid to embrace inclusive employment. It’s a great addition to your workforce, and something that we really believe in and will continue to do.”
