Stigma that 21yo feared would stop her getting a job

A young Aussie has revealed the stigma that she feared would get in the way of her dream career.

When Kate Taylor started looking for an apprenticeship, she was worried she wouldn’t land one because she has ADHD.

“I’ve always been hyperactive and impulsive. I also have difficulties concentrating. I did genuinely wonder whether my ADHD would stand in the way of being hired as an apprentice,” Ms Taylor told news.com.au.

Ms Taylor got diagnosed with the attention-deficit disorder just as she prepared to enter the workforce.

Apprentice employment manager Kyle Rettig at Apprentice are Us said that her hiring concerns weren’t unreasonable.

He explained that there has been a history of tradies being reluctant to hire apprentices that are diagnosed with neurodiversity due to misconceptions and stigma.

Ms Taylor landed an apprenticeship as a mechanic in Perth, and Mr Rettig said she’s already proven to be an asset to the team.

“Whether it’s diagnosing an engine fault that’s stumped everyone or finding new ways to improve efficiency in the workshop, fresh perspectives are invaluable. Apprentices with ADHD are natural-born problem solvers,” he said.

“Their brains are wired for divergent thinking, a trait that allows them to approach issues from creative angles.”

“I believe hiring someone with the ability to think creatively is no longer just an advantage, and it’s a necessity.”

Kate Taylor loves what she does. Picture: Supplied

She said her boss has been ‘supportive’. Picture: Supplied

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From Ms Taylor’s perspective it has been a relief that her ADHD isn’t treated as a negative or a problem.

“My boss was already aware of my diagnosis and has been really supportive throughout the whole process,” she said.

“In fact, there are other apprentices who work here with ADHD and we are all given the opportunity to progress and succeed.”

Ms Taylor said that because of her ADHD, she approaches work differently and for the most part, that is a benefit.

“I view work problems from a different perspective. Most things in life are set up for neurotypical people so those of us with ADHD have to work harder,” she said.

Working on multiple tasks at the same time can be difficult for the 21-year-old. She tends to hyperfocus on one thing.

“When I have to move from one thing onto something else, I can have trouble remembering the order. I can feel overwhelmed,” she said.

She’s great at problem solving and looking at things with creativity. Picture: Supplied

She said she loves having a ‘hands on’ job. Picture: Supplied

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Ms Taylor really enjoys working in a garage because it allows her to be creative and really thrive.

“I have always known I would work with my hands. I just love what I do and I knew I would. I love being creative, problem solving, every day is different,” she said.

“I am hands on and I love engines and cars, figuring out how everything works.”

Mr Rettig said that, in his experience, apprentices with ADHD also have the ability to experience periods of hyperfocus.

He said this is perfect when you’re working with “intricate” components, electrical systems, or collision repair – the bread and butter of the automotive industry.

Kyle Rettig said apprentices with ADHD present a unique opportunity for growth, innovation, and success. Picture: Supplied

Mr Rettig said that, in general, he finds apprentices with ADHD are used to “tackling challenges” and don’t give up easily.

“Apprentices with ADHD are often used to tackling challenges, developing resilience, and finding ways to succeed in environments that might not always be designed for them,” he said.

“I’ve worked with apprentices who have had to manage their ADHD their entire lives, and in doing so, they’ve developed an inner resilience that serves them well in the workplace. They’re not easily fazed by the unexpected.” 

Mr Rettig said apprentices with ADHD present a unique opportunity for growth, innovation, and success.

“At ARU, we’ve seen over and over again how apprentices with ADHD thrive in the right environments. They are innovators, problem solvers, and hard workers who can add immense value to workshops willing to move past outdated stigma.

“By creating structured environments, offering mentorship, and aligning their strengths with their roles, work places can unlock the incredible potential of these apprentices.

“It’s not about making accommodations, it’s about recognising their strengths and harnessing them to make the workplace more inclusive for everyone.”

Originally published as Stigma that 21yo feared would stop her getting a job