Supporting our people with career mobility
In 2021, Ted Clark returned to New Zealand after 10 years in Darwin and three years with APM. Now an Employment Consultant in Auckland, he considers himself fortunate to have made the move home with APM.
Ted first joined APM in 2018 as a Local Area Coordinator with APM Communities. He supported the Northern Territory’s NDIS rollout and helped participants understand their plans and connect them with the supports they needed.
In his first 12 months with APM, Ted joined APM’s Community Capacity Building Team, responsible for connecting with local councils, sports clubs and businesses to educate them about the NDIS and the importance of inclusiveness and accessibility.
“I was in a team that worked from Darwin to Litchfield to create opportunities for people with a disability and encourage and facilitate their participation within the community” Ted recalled.
“I’m really proud of the ‘come and try’ nights we introduced for different sports. There was a great response for the Wheelchair Rugby League and the program grew from there.”
The team had significant achievements in supporting inclusion across a range of community activities, including organising disabled volunteers for the Arafura Games.
At this event, athletes with a disability compete in the same program as able-bodied athletes, creating a sensory zone at the Darwin Festival with Autism NT, and organising a festival performance by the Sing Song Signers Choir from Down Syndrome NT.
“This was a festival highlight and gave so much enjoyment and confidence to members of the choir.”
Time to head home
When Ted decided it was time to return to New Zealand, he was supported in his desire to remain with APM.
He became an Employment Consultant in Auckland, a great fit for both Ted and APM as he had worked for New Zealand’s Ministry of Social Development and had well-established contacts.
Now responsible for assisting clients from the South Auckland region, Ted loves that he can see the impact of helping clients find work.
“You can see pride in their eyes when they’ve achieved a goal they thought might not ever happen. The positive change is amazing, I’m privileged to experience that with them.”
Building a career with APM
APM recognises the importance of creating opportunities for our people to grow personally and professionally. Supporting Ted’s return to New Zealand was important in helping him to be near family and friends, while acknowledging the value of his expertise in our industry.
Ted remains proactive in seeking opportunities for career growth and this year did a three-month secondment in the Team Leader’s role.
“This gave me insight into being a leader at APM and was a great opportunity to build my knowledge and skills.”
Ted also uses his understanding of APM in Australia to support the local team, recently facilitating Customised Employment workshops with Gaelen Williams from the Community Capacity Building Team to develop skills and make connections ‘across the ditch’.
An accomplished career which can transcend distance to continue enabling better lives.
