Meet Tyler: The teen thriving in Open Employment

When Tyler finished school in 2024, he wasn’t sure where he would fit in the workforce. With support from Good Sammy, he found a role that is building his skills and his confidence.

A head start

During his final year of school, Tyler signed up for a workplace skills traineeship with Good Sammy. The program gave him practical experience, a nationally recognised certificate, and his first taste of real-world work.

“It was pretty convenient,” Tyler said with a grin. “Plus, you get paid for it.”

Turning work into a game

Armed with his traineeship, Tyler landed a role at financial services company Paywise. His role involves processing receipts and member data, and Tyler approaches the work with focus and energy.

“I like to make it a bit of a game,” he explained. “I see how many I can get done in a day. It keeps me focused and makes the time go faster.”

Hard work pays off

Tyler began with a single four-hour shift each week. Over time this grew into three shifts, and earlier this year Paywise recognised his dedication with a permanent role. He now works 16 hours a week and is keen to do more.

Big dreams

And while Tyler is thriving at work, he already has his sights set on the future. He is completing a university readiness program that will open the door to a degree in security studies and international relations.

“I want to do a double major bachelor’s degree,” he said. “I have always been interested in politics. Nobody seems to know what they are doing when it comes to running the country. I think I could do better.”

Why his story matters

Tyler is one of 36 people who moved into open employment with Good Sammy’s support in 2023/24. For us, that can mean award wage roles at Good Sammy or with one of our employment partners. In 2024/25, that number grew to almost 100, showing just how quickly inclusive employment is gaining momentum.

Tyler’s journey highlights what open employment can achieve, and it was recognised on Channel 9 in the lead-up to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA Diversity and Inclusion Awards, where Good Sammy is a finalist in the Disability and Access Inclusion category. In the report, former CCIWA CEO Peter Cock noted that diversity benefits everyone: “Having diversity in a workplace is proven to make your business run better. It increases the talent pool you can draw from.”

With almost 100 people supported into open employment in 2024/25, stories like Tyler’s are only the beginning. Inclusive employment works. It benefits individuals, strengthens businesses, and builds a more connected community.