Bears Auto Group does hail damage repair to vehicles from around the state and the nation. The business has grown by being innovative.
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During a quite period caused by COVID-19 it used the time to look at opportunities where it could connect with the community.
Bears Auto Group general manager Steve Lozenkovski said one of those opportunities involved reaching out to Flagstaff to see if there was anything the business could do to provide employment and training opportunities for people with a disability.
A purpose-built detailing facility at the workshop in Montague St was identified as a great place to start.
"We worked with Flagstaff to write a program on how to detail motor vehicles and we have had about a dozen people come through."
Mr Lozenkovski said what he really noticed was how enthusiastic the new detailers were.
He said their positive attitude and work ethic was infectious and boosted morale within the workplace.
"Three days a week we have a candidate come in to do paid work and Flagstaff rotate those people around."
"It has gone so well it has become a permanent part of our business."
Flagstaff Group marketing specialist Belinda Franklin said Bears Auto Group was one of many businesses starting to see the benefits of a creating a more inclusive workforce.
"Employment integration is really important," Ms Franklin said.
"It means the guys at Flagstaff are getting experience working in main stream employment and not just at Flagstaff sites.
"This is like a pilot group. There is a training element to it and it leads to main stream employment.
"For example Troy who is working here today can now use the skills he has learned to work at dealerships and smash repairers in the area. We are really lucky to have Bears' support in this initiative."
Troy Fitzsimmons said he works at Bears one day a week and loves it because it could open up more opportunities in the industry or provide him an opportunity to start his own car detailing business.
"I am learning new skills. I jumped at this opportunity," he said.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
