Paul Cannon, a native of Oranmore, this week celebrates 10 years of service with Nestor’s SuperValu Oranmore.
Cannon, through the services of EmployAbility Galway, gained employment with Nestor’s SuperValu Oranmore in 2003. Commenting at a celebratory presentation in his honour, he said: “I’m delighted to be working with the Nestor’s for 10 years. It’s a very special achievement – I’ve worked under three managers.”
Nestor’s SuperValu Group, with stores in Fr Griffin Road, Ballybane and Oranmore, has been working with EmployAbility Galway since 2002 and has recruited people with disabilities in their three stores with the assistance of the Galway organisation.
EmployAbility Galway provides support for people with disabilities in Galway city and county who want to work, and to employers who would like to include a person with a disability in their workforce, both in the private and public sectors.
Commenting on their association with The Nestor’s Group, Pauline O'Dwyer of EmployAbility Galway said: “Nestor's have always had an interest in the skills people with disabilities bring to the workplace, and recognised the unique contribution they make to the Nestor's team. The commitment to supporting staff hired through EmployAbility Galway comes from managers and co-workers alike. This support has created a work environment that has allowed people to flourish in the workplace, and it is great to see Paul reach this important milestone in his career.”
HR manager of The Nestor’s Group, Amanda Gibbons, said: “It is important to remember that each individual brings different skills and abilities to the work-place to make their own unique contribution to the Nestor Group. Developing our inclusive work practices, in particular with the support and commitment of EmployAbility Galway, has helped us to better understand the diversity of customers who shop in our stores so we can offer a better level of service to everyone.
“The support system that EmployAbility has in place to assist the employer has greatly aided us in the Nestor Group. We have also employed individuals on work placements through Rehab Care, Galway Learning Network and Ability West.”
The Nestor’s Group currently employs nine people with disabilities - none of whom is on placement but work as employees of Nestor’s.
