Bouncing around from job to job after leaving school, Russell was unable to find a role that suited him.
He was being supported in his employment hunt by MJP, an employment agency for people with learning disabilities. Russell's MJP Coordinator suggested he be reassessed for autism, and Russell's Mum suggested he apply for work at Bedford, as his brother was already working there and receiving great on-the-job support.
With a diagnosis of autism, Russell was able to access the disability support pension (DSP) and NDIS supports to come to work within a supported employment environment.
“At the end of 2016, I started working for Bedford Manufacturing making Bedford Furniture and it was really good for me,” said Russell.
In 2023, Russell’s workplace transitioned to a social enterprise, Bedford-backed Dovetail Advanced Manufacturing, which offered open employment. Still backed by Bedford, employees were invited to participate in a trial to assess their suitability.
“There was a trial period to make sure you were suited to open employment and that worked out well, so I’ve been with Dovetail since it started.
“The work engages me and it’s always busy. I am primarily a plant operator, operating the beam-saw and we cut up all the timber for all the different furniture and products we make.”
For Russell, the move into open employment was easy and the benefits are well and truly worth it.
“The main difference is I get paid more, but without support workers Bedford provided to me.”
The ability to earn a full award wage has had a big impact on Russell’s life.
“My partner and I bought a house a couple of years ago. Because we are a couple, her income meant my DSP was reduced. The amount I received was close to non-existent by the time I changed to Dovetail,” he said.
“So now I get a full award wage, we can pay more off our mortgage, and I'm able to contribute more.”
With open employment also comes further opportunity for a career path.
“My mum’s happy. She knows there’s potential for me to move up. Most people think I am very capable and can move up to something like a supervisor or manager.
“I’m keen to do that if the opportunity comes along.”
At the moment though, the focus is on Dovetail’s move to a new site in Salisbury.
“I’m really looking forward to that. It will be a lot closer to home and I’ll have more spare time.”
Spare time that he hopes to spend indulging in his favourite pastimes.
“I enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons, and video games, and card games, and I also have a very large boardgame collection. I play with friends and with my partner.”
What advice would Russell give to someone in supported employment considering the move to open employment?
“If you have the drive to do it, I would suggest you do it,” said Russell.
“Bedford and Dovetail are very supportive of you to do it in the way that suits you. Some people are worried about giving up the pension and benefits. But you can work part time in open employment and still keep your DSP.
“And if you want to work full time, they’ll support you to do that too. So, if you are thinking about doing it – just do it.”