Young student with disability begins life changing work

Known by all around him for having an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things cars and racing, the STEPS Pathways College student wants to one day be an automotive journalist. 

Having been with the College on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for six months so far, Caelan is already pursuing his goals through undertaking work experience at STEPS Car Detailing. 

STEPS Pathways College provides young adults with a disability with a flexible learning environment in a range of topics, giving them the opportunity to develop the skills needed to experience a life of independence.

Now working two days a week, Caelan is excited to gain experience while getting to work with so many different cars. His ultimate hope is that his favourite car comes in to be detailed – an Audi RS6.

After working for three weeks, Caelan is eager to continue assisting the team.

“I’ll be working at the Car Detailing until I graduate,” says Caelan. “Once I graduate I’ll be moving back to (Sunshine Coast town) Buderim because that’s where all my family is.

“In Buderim, I’ll be looking at probably doing a TAFE course, likely a Cert III in automotive mechanics.”

From there, Caelan would like to “get into mechanics” before later striving for his dream role in automotive journalism.

Recently, Caelan hit another major milestone in the automobile world by getting his learner’s licence. Well on the way to getting his provisional licence, Caelan says driving would mean one word to him – “freedom”.

“I can go to all the places that I want to go,” Caelan adds.

“If I want, I can go to the airport and catch a plane to Brisbane, Darwin, wherever I want.”

Caelan’s driving knowledge is so strong, that he was even able to help his roommate, Andrew, to undertake and pass his own learner’s test.

“I helped him study, he was happy for the help,” says Caelan.

Caelan’s knowledge and passion is equally appreciated by the STEPS Car Detailing team, with the Car Program Coordinator, Chris Rodgers, raving about Caelan’s work.

“Caelan has proven to be a great asset,” says Mr Rodgers.

“Working hard in difficult conditions, he has displayed a great work ethic; he has learnt new skills quickly and enjoys his job, providing great results for our customers.

“STEPS Pathways College is doing a fantastic job with Caelan and we are seeing the benefit of his experience.”

Despite his love of all things cars, Caelan says that if he had to choose between the cars or the people as the best part of the work, he’d choose “the people”.

For more information on STEPS Pathways College, visit their website.