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October 10, 2024
by Joshua Cook

Connor’s Story – Driving Success

Meet Connor, one of the newest and hardest working employees at Bridgestone Select Townsville. Initially, after leaving school, Connor found himself unsure of what steps to take. The change from his usual school routine to a totally new real-world environment was daunting to say the least.

Connor was also diagnosed with Autism from a young age, which he admits could sometimes make him uncertain about how he would fit in with a new routine and workplace. Before taking the leap into finding employment, Connor wanted to be as prepared as he possibly could and build upon his confidence, learn new skills and identify what industries would best suit him.

Life changes after school

When Connor joined Breakthru’s School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program in Townsville, he was still very uncertain. Unfair barriers loomed large, and the dream of long-term employment at least initially seemed out of reach.

“Coming out of school my life was a bit of a struggle,” says Connor.

“I wanted to try to find a job that suited me to avoid being bored at home. After leaving school, I struggled with understanding my emotions and worried ab out how I would deal with these in mainstream employment. I needed to learn how to live outside of school.”

After working with the team at Breakthru and making new friends along the way, Connor found the support network he needed to turn that fear and uncertainty into confidence. Together, Connor and his support workers worked together to build the social skills and self-assurance needed to navigate the world of work. Breakthru helped Connor craft his resume, hone his interview skills, and develop life skills through weekly programs as he worked towards his goal of paid employment.

“Having worked with Connor for some years now, it is clear that this young man is not the same person who came to Breakthru in the beginning,” says Linda Di Betta, a team leader at Breakthru.

“Connor was shy and withdrawn, he is now a confident young man who is an independent worker.”

Gaining employment

With his strong work ethic, it was not long until Connor took his first step toward a new job. It was in late 2023 that Connor was initially introduced to Shane, who is the director at Bridgestone Select Garbutt. Breakthru initially met Shane at an industry breakfast where they discussed the vision they both had, and Linda introduced Connor as a possible candidate for a position there shortly after.


Shane was looking to give someone the opportunity to work for him at Bridgestone Select and was very open to any candidates that wanted to have a go. Initially Connor had not considered the possibility of working as a mechanic until the idea was put forward to him, but Shane and the Bridgestone team were happy to provide Connor with any support he needed to find his feet, so he jumped at the chance.

Bridgestone Select

Starting his journey with Bridgestone Select, Connor took on delivery tasks after successfully obtaining his driver's license . Shane and the team initially planned for Connor to drive vehicles around to the workshop and then back to the customer. He was also responsible for checking completed paperwork. However, it soon became clear that Connor was eager to be more involved, so Shane gave Connor more and more responsibilities as time went on.

Taine's dog Thunder

“Although he hadn’t used rattle guns, jacks, or torque wrenches he jumped in with both feet, giving it everything to learn,” says Shane of Connor’s early days.

Like anyone that’s new on the tools, Connor’s knowledge was limited, and it took time for him to build up the strength and fitness required to complete some of the manual and physically demanding tasks. However, it wasn’t long before his hard work paid off. Now, Connor is responsible for tasks throughout all areas of the tyre shop, and even teaches this knowledge to other newcomers.

“He helps train juniors about the correct processes within the shop. We gave him the position of Safety Officer which he takes very seriously. His strength and stamina have improved, as we now see him lifting and throwing tyres and rims around which he struggled with when he started. He takes on our bigger jobs such as buses and light trucks without hesitation, and we never need to check on his work as it is always completed to the highest of standards,” says Shane.

Taine's dog Thunder

More than a year has now passed, and those that know Connor from his school days say that his transformation has been remarkable.

“Connor has earnt the respect of the entire team here and is an important and valued member of our team. He is one of the most reliable and consistent employees I have ever had. Having Connor join us and being witness to experiencing his growth has been awesome.”

“Connor is now working towards being independent of the NDIS entirely,” says Linda. “Connor has his licence and drives to work every day. He also just achieved another of his goals – to play the bagpipes in the Anzac Day ceremony to honour his Grandfather.”

“My life now is pretty good,” says Connor.

“I work with a group of people who are super supportive of me. They call me a legend which makes me feel appreciated. My boss is a really nice bloke who supports me in everything to do with work. He made me feel welcome from the moment I stepped through the door.”

We asked Shane and Connor about a memorable time at work, and Shane fondly reminisces.

“I remember hearing Queen over the speakers from the workshop during a quiet moment singing We Are the Champions,” says Shane.

“I looked up and there was Conor standing by the tyre fitting machine with a spanner in his hand, on his own stage, belting out the words, with a little air guitar in between… although we all know it should have been bag pipes. It was infectious to see just how happy he was to be his very own champion.”

When asked what was next on the agenda, Connor said:

“My hopes for the future are like everyone else.”

“I want to travel overseas to Scotland, and eventually move out of home and live on my own. I look forward to buying my own home one day.”

Looking for work?

Breakthru has over 25 years of experience helping thousands of Australians like Connor find and keep a job they love. Get in touch with one of our friendly staff today to find out what we could do for you.

About the author

Joshua Cook

With more than 10 years of industry experience coupled with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Josh works as Marketing Manager, Disability Services from our office in Brisbane, Queensland. Having grown up with his younger sister Katey, who was born with Down Syndrome, Josh has witnessed first hand the barriers and misconceptions placed around people with disability. As part of the Breakthru team, Josh hopes to assist people just like Katey find the information or supports they need to live their best life.

About the author

Joshua Cook

With more than 10 years of industry experience coupled with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Josh works as Marketing Manager, Disability Services from our office in Brisbane, Queensland. Having grown up with his younger sister Katey, who was born with Down Syndrome, Josh has witnessed first hand the barriers and misconceptions placed around people with disability. As part of the Breakthru team, Josh hopes to assist people just like Katey find the information or supports they need to live their best life.
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