The Bears Auto Group provides employment opportunities for a dozen local residents with a disability at Illawarra Merkur

Community, Bears Auto Group, detailing, hail, handicap, handicap, Wollongong, Flagstaff

The Bears Auto Group repairs vehicles from across the state and across the nation. The business grew through innovation. During a quiet time caused by COVID-19, it used the time to look for ways where it could connect with the community. Steve Lozenkovski, general manager of Bears Auto Group, said one of those options is to contact Flagstaff to see if there is anything the company can do to provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities. Read more: Every Wednesday a new weekly foodie and farmers market comes to Corrimal. A purpose-built detailing facility in the workshop on Montague Street was identified as a good starting point. “We worked with Flagstaff to write an automobile detailing program and we got about a dozen people through.” Mr Lozenkovski said he really noticed how excited the new detailers were. He said their positive attitudes and work ethic are contagious and raise morale in the workplace. “A candidate comes in three days a week to do paid work and Flagstaff turns these people around.” “It went so well that it has become an integral part of our business.” Flagstaff Group’s marketing specialist Belinda Franklin said the Bears Auto Group was one of many companies that saw the benefits of having a more inclusive workforce. “Employment integration is really important,” said Franklin. “This means that Flagstaff employees gain experience on the job, not just at Flagstaff locations.” This is like a pilot group. There is an element of training that leads to main occupation. “For example, Troy, who works here today, can now use the skills he learned from working at dealerships and repair shops in the area. We are really happy to have Bears’ support on this initiative.” Troy Fitzsimmons said he works at Bears one day a week and loves it because it might open up more opportunities in the industry or give him the opportunity to start his own auto details business. “I’m learning new skills. I took this opportunity,” he said. Read more: We rely on subscription income to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support. Sign up for breaking news emails below …

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The Bears Auto Group repairs vehicles from across the state and across the nation. The business grew through innovation.

During a quiet time caused by COVID-19, it used the time to look for ways where it could connect with the community.

Steve Lozenkovski, general manager of Bears Auto Group, said one of those options is to contact Flagstaff to see if there is anything the company can do to provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities.

A specially constructed detailing facility in the workshop on Montague Street was identified as a good starting point.

“We worked with Flagstaff to write an automobile detailing program and we got about a dozen people through.”

Mr Lozenkovski said he really noticed how excited the new detailers were.

He said their positive attitudes and work ethic are contagious and raise morale in the workplace.

“A candidate comes in three days a week to do paid work and Flagstaff turns these people around.”

“It went so well that it has become an integral part of our business.”

Flagstaff Group’s marketing specialist Belinda Franklin said the Bears Auto Group was one of many companies that saw the benefits of having a more inclusive workforce.

“Employment integration is really important,” said Franklin.

“This means that Flagstaff employees gain experience on the job, not just at Flagstaff locations.

“This is like a pilot group. There is an element of training that leads to a preoccupation.

“For example, Troy, who works here today, can now use the skills he learned from working at dealerships and repair shops in the area. We are really happy to have Bears’ support on this initiative.”

Troy Fitzsimmons said he works at Bears one day a week and loves it because it might open up more opportunities in the industry or give him the opportunity to start his own auto details business.

“I’m learning new skills. I took this opportunity,” he said.

We rely on subscription income to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.

Sign up for breaking news emails below …