Securing employment immediately after completing High School is difficult for any student but for 18 years old Shane Wormington this task could have proven to be even more difficult as he completed a modified school program at Clifton State High School due to learning difficulties.
Shane’s lucky break came as a result of his carer Samantha De Jersey’s encouragement for Shane to apply for a stable hand position with Clear Mountain Fairview Thoroughbred Horse Stud at Greenmount.
Samantha works as an Independent Support Worker but is employed by the NDIS and her conscientious work with Shane was instrumental in him applying for the stable hand position.
Shane’s luck continued when his application came to the notice of Lisa and Mick Frappell who, after being bombarded by phone calls and emails from Shane, decided to call him in for an interview.
Despite Shane’s limited experience with horses and his learning difficulties, Mick decided to give the young man a go and he began work in October 2022.
Mick liked the boy’s enthusiasm, respectful nature and willingness to learn and he soon became an important team member.
Shane’s duties include leading horses from their stalls to the exercise machines and washing down horses after their work. He also has the responsibility of preparing food for the horses and the job he likes most is the mucking out of the stables.
Mick said he often hears Shane talking to the horses especially Shane’s favourite, “You Better You Bet”, a three year old race horse bred on the farm by the Frappells and now racing under Mick’s training.
As a student at Clifton High School, Shane matured from a shy, quiet Year Seven student to a confident young man who gained a reputation as a hard worker always keen to do his best.
Acting Head of Special Education Services, Sally-Anne McGrigor had praise for Shane completing three Certificate Courses at Clifton High School; Certificate II in Hospitality, Certificate II in Rural Operations, and Certificate II in Horse Care.
“Shane is definitely a man you want on your team and you can be confident that he will have your back,”she said.
Transport to and from work for Shane is difficult with his father, Gary driving him most days for the 20 minute commute.
Shane’s Support Worker Samantha is helping him prepare for his driver’s licence test sometime later this year in the hope he can then drive himself to work.
Shane knows he has been lucky with Samantha having his best interests at heart and the Frappell family who gave a young teenager a chance of employment when many may have hesitated.
In the meantime Shane, according to Samantha, loves his work with the thoroughbred horses and loves being a respected team member.
The success of Shane Worthington is a great credit to Clifton High School Special Education Unit, NDIS Support Worker, Samantha De Jersey and his current employers the Frappell family at Clear Mountain Fairview Thoroughbred Stud.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 23 February 2023.
