A love of snow and skiing from a young age has seen Jackson leave supported employment at Multicap to become a ski instructor with hopes to have a continuous winter travelling the globe.
The 19-year-old is currently working his first ski season at Mt Ruapehu on New Zealand’s North Island.
Before moving to New Zealand, Jackson worked at Multicap’s employment business, Makeables in Tingalpa which assisted him to develop work-ready skills including teamwork and dealing with changing situations.
Multicap’s Pathways Operations Manager, Bec Lowther said the Multicap Employment team is thrilled to see Jackson moving into open employment and having the courage to follow his passion.
“Jackson has achieved what we hope for many of our supported employees that have similar dreams and ambitions,” Bec said.
“Our employment pathways are designed to allow employees to get the most out of their working experience at our employment businesses so that they can have choice and confidence to secure their ideal job for their future.
“A special mention to Donna Holden who was Jackson’s manager and supported him to reach his goals.”
He completed the NZ Snowsports Instructors Alliance Level 1 Course in Skiing to be an instructor and he has now done additional study to be able to instruct children.
“I just really like skiing and I love it when I get to show someone a cool thing that I like and they like it too.”
The course provider guaranteed a job to people who passed the qualification. This was a major drawcard for Jackson to assist in gaining experience and a job to pursue his career.
When Jackson isn’t working as a ski instructor, he is assisting people in the ski equipment rental area or working in the food and beverages areas of the resort.
This is also Jackson’s first time living out of home, and his first share house was different to most people’s – he moved into a hostel.
“For the most part, I was pretty prepared for the changed living environment. It’s bunk beds and there’s not much space and its easy to end up getting in each other’s way. This hostel had five Australians, three Britons, one Irishman and four Americans living in it.”
His love of skiing developed at a young age, and when he had a chance to be on the slopes, he was skiing.
“I’d be there from when the lifts opened to when the lifts closed, sometimes not stopping for lunch.”
Jackson is applying for work in the ski fields in Europe for their upcoming season. He is starting to learn German as he has applied for jobs in Germany and Austria.
Working at one of Multicap’s employment businesses is a great way to develop job skills that can help you build confidence and gain experience to work towards your goals. Our job coaches are available to support this. Visit our website for more information about possibilities available at Multicap.