Retail Ready and Able
(Queensland)
When looking for employment it is important to stay positive and talk with your family and carers about what you want to do. There are also many agencies and services where you can ask for help to find suitable jobs that will match your skills, interests and abilities. Keep scrolling to find some services that may help you on your journey.
The Retail Institute is currently running a trial program to help match people looking for work with Retail businesses.
Case Studies
Zarraffa
Changing the game:
How Zarraffa’s and ARA through its Retail Ready and Able (RRA) program, lead the way in embracing diversity in the hospitality industry.
Known for its cafes and welcoming atmosphere, the loved chain Zarraffa’s is making strides in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace by teaming up with ARA through its Retail Ready and Able (RRA) program. This partnership goes beyond filling roles—it signifies a dedication to demonstrating how employing individuals with disabilities can enhance businesses and provide chances for those confronted with job obstacles regularly. By showcasing how an inclusive mindset brings not diversity, but strength and worth to its workforce, Zarraffa’s sets an example of valuing every individual’s contribution.
The program started with a goal of creating job prospects for individuals with disabilities and debunking prevalent myths in the hospitality industry sector. Zarraffa’s embraced RRA members into roles at their cafes by assigning each person to positions aligned with their abilities and level of comfort. From being baristas to offering support behind the scenes in the kitchen area every role offered an opportunity for participants to move from being without a job, to joining a work environment where their efforts are appreciated.
To promote inclusivity effectively Zarraffa’s took steps by dedicating time and resources to establishing a welcoming environment for all individuals involved in their operations. They engaged with RRA webinars and welcomed RRA trainers into their locations to gain an insight into their day-to-day operations. This partnership enabled RRA to identify and train individuals suited for Zarraffa’s setup while providing their team with the resources to cultivate an inclusive atmosphere.
The story of Zarraffa’s serves as a model for the hospitality sector by inspiring a shift in recruitment strategies to embrace inclusivity for mutual gains across the industry.
Rivers
Building an inclusive workforce:
Rivers and ARA through their Retail Ready and Able (RRA) program, promote diversity in employment opportunities.
The retail industry often prioritizes efficiency over inclusivity in a moving environment like this; however, Rivers is setting a standard by teaming up with the ARA and its Retail Ready and Able (RRA) program to showcase that inclusivity isn’t just a moral decision, but also a savvy business move that can make a positive impact on people’s lives and enhance organizational strength.
Rivers, a prominent retail brand, is redefining what an inclusive workplace can look like through a groundbreaking partnership with Retail Ready and Able (RRA). This collaboration isn’t just about filling job positions; it’s about transforming perspectives within the retail industry. By actively recruiting individuals with disabilities, Rivers is proving that inclusivity not only strengthens a team, but also brings unique value to the business.
The initiative began with a shared vision: to create job opportunities for people with disabilities and challenge the misconceptions that often limit inclusive hiring practices in retail. Rivers welcomed over 13 RRA participants into various roles suited to their skills and comfort levels, from customer-facing sales positions to roles in stock management. This careful placement ensured each person could transition confidently from unemployment into meaningful work, supported by an accommodating and encouraging environment.
Beyond job placement, Rivers is continuously investing in comprehensive training for their managers and staff, aimed at fostering awareness and dispelling stereotypes. This training shifted perspectives within the company, helping team members recognize the strengths that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace.
Information Sessions
The Australian Retailers Association’s Retail Ready and Able (QLD) program is designed to provide information, training and new employment opportunities to connect job seekers with retailers located across Queensland.
With the ARA’s connection to over 8,000 retail businesses around Australia, we are using this training program to reach out through our network to open doors to opportunities available for neurodiverse and disability employment. Our mission is to support you on the journey to secure meaningful employment in the retail sector.
Watch our below 30-minute webinars to learn more about the potential of a fulfilling retail career and discover the benefits of Retail Ready and Able for individuals with disabilities.
Session 1: Why Retail? Exploring Retail as a rewarding and meaningful career choice
Available now OnDemand
The session has been recorded so we encourage you to watch the below video. Please note there is a transcript feature available.
Session 2: Why Retail? Exploring Retail as a rewarding and meaningful career choice
Available OnDemand
The session has been recorded so we encourage you to watch the below video. Please note there is a transcript feature available.
Information that can help you
When preparing to find employment it’s important to think about, what sort of job you would like, who can help you and how you will contact them.
We’ve prepared a checklist to help you get started.
Employable Me
There are free services that can assist you in your employment journey. These services can support you to discover your strengths and interests, build your confidence, assist with your resume and job applications, link you with potential employers, prepare interviews and assist you to manage any health issues or barriers to work.
Multicap
Multicap is a dedicated disability services provider that works with people from all walks of life, offering an extensive range of support to help you live the life you want.
When preparing to find employment it’s important to think about, what sort of job you would like, who can help you and how you will contact them.
We’ve prepared a checklist to help you get started.
Connecting Job seekers with Retailers
Meet Sharon
Eight years ago, an accident at work in a hospital crushed her left hand, resulting in lasting damage and restricted use of her hand.
In the years that followed, Sharon struggled to find another job where employers would give her a chance.
Then she met the team at APM.
This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Workforce Connect Fund.
