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.
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.”
Stories like Tyler’s are only the beginning. Inclusive employment works. It benefits individuals, strengthens businesses, and builds a more connected community.
