PAVING THE WAY TO EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Wheelnutz Garage is doing things differently and making a difference

Having just received its second industry award in as many months, Wheelnutz Garage says it is determined to not only pave the way for young people with disabilities into employment, but its recently opened garage in Brendale will be staffed predominantly by people with disabilities.

Established in 2020 as a one-of-a-kind innovative program that builds capacity and skill development, the garage promotes social connectedness and good mental health.

Traditionally a loud and offensive environment, every aspect of the automotive garage has been designed or altered to support a culture of acceptance and an environment of social, emotional and physical safety.

“Employing people with disabilities isn’t just a feelgood strategy, but makes good business sense,” Wheelnutz Garage Chief Executive Officer, Gavin McCarthy, said.

“There is over a decade of research that demonstrates, time and again, that people with disability have a positive work attitude and work ethos, and that hiring people with disability can boost productivity and morale in the workplace.”

In an environment where the automotive industry is struggling with staff recruitment and retention, Gavin has taken a different approach.

His first call was to a local Disability Employment Service. Immediately he was presented with six

CAPAS will also see a collection of fringe events and services. Forums and technical training will provide insights into industry prospects, with key events such as the Southwest Automotive Aftermarket Summit 2022 and China New Energy Vehicle International Cooperation Conference 2023. The fair’s roadshows across Chongqing, Guangdong, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan, and other provinces and cities also help industry players to keep up momentum during the year and communicate about current supply and demand.

In addition, the year-round hybrid business matching services help buyers to explore procurement channels and exhibitors to connect with their target customers. The aim is to help develop effective cooperation for trade between the two sides.

Other events like the VIP Buyers Programme, the Dealers’ Dinner and the Workshops Networking Dinner also help industry players to communicate and seize business opportunities. CAPAS is jointly organised by CCPIT-Auto, Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and CCPIT-Sichuan. For more information, please visit www.capas-chengdu.com or email auto@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com resumes – all highly qualified and experienced in the automotive field, who had acquired a disability that resulted in long term unemployment.

“Employing a team with the collective experience of 200 years is a no-brainer,” Gavin said.

“They just happen to have a spinal or brain injury, or neurological condition such as Parkinson’s Disease.”

To learn more about Wheelnutz Garage, visit www.wheelnutzgarage.com