How brothers secured employment after graduating Explore

Brothers Gruffyn and Reubyn were born in Wales, England, moving to Australia when they were very young. Growing up in Logan City with an array of pets including dogs, cats, chickens and fish, the dynamic duo shares a love of animals and a diagnosis of autism. 

While they grew up with typical household pets, their favourite animals aren’t typical. Reubyn says his favourite animal is a pink fairy armadillo, an endangered species which is only found in Argentina, ‘because they are very cute and fluffy.’ 

Gruffyn’s favourite animal is sheep: “I don’t know why exactly, but I’ve liked them since I was a baby.” 

Reubyn joined Happy Paws Happy Hearts when he was 12 to ‘help improve my social skills’. When he was just 15 years old, he was invited to join our employment pathway program, Explore. 

“Most people thought I was older. I have wanted to become a barista or chef since I was about 9 or 10. [I was inspired] when we would visit cafes after doctors or therapy appointments,” Reubyn says. 

In Explore, participants learn about various topics - from goal setting to communicating in the workforce - to prepare them for return-to-life pathways. In addition, all participants complete a work placement aligned with their individual goals, capability and support needs.  

Finding a ‘paw-fect’ fit for Reubyn, he completed his placement at the RSPCA Wacol’s Black Cat Cafe - Reubyn’s favourite memory at HPHH. 

“The thing that I’m most proud of is that I found the confidence in my skills in a cafe/kitchen environment,” Reubyn says. 

“I found working there very fun, and I enjoyed being part of a team.” 

Following in his younger brother’s footsteps, Gruffyn joined Happy Paws Happy Hearts and was invited to enrol in the Explore Program.  

“[I wanted to join Explore] to improve my job readiness and learn valuable life skills,” Gruffyn says. 

Gruffyn says he is most proud of building his interview confidence, during the six-month course. 

“I have certainly gained a lot more social confidence,” Gruffyn says. 

After graduating from the Explore Program, Gruffyn and Reubyn have found employment, both working at the same McDonald’s. Reubyn says the Explore Program prepared him for this role and that his confidence has grown. 

“It helped me develop my resume and gave me work experience, which got me used to [being in a] workplace environment,” Reubyn says. 

Gruffyn says HPHH helped prepare him for the workforce by calming his nerves. 

“It helped me to know and understand what is expected of me in the workforce and helped me discover that there isn’t anything to be worried or scared about,” Gruffyn says. 

Both brothers are thriving since finishing up with HPHH. Gruffyn finished his high school studies from home, got his driver’s licence, and is employed while studying for a Diploma in IT at TAFE.  

In addition, Gruffyn was recently awarded ‘Graduate of the Year’ by TAFE Queensland, after completing a Certificate II in Telecommunications Technology (Networking) in 2023.  

Pictured: Gruffyn receiving Graduate of the Year Award at TAFE.

Reubyn is still completing his high school studies from home, currently in Grade 11, while working at McDonald’s with his brother. In addition, he has his learner’s permit, is taking driving lessons and is completing a Certificate II in Baking at TAFE.  

“Their motivation, job success and TAFE enrolment is all down to the huge encourage and support of Katy O’Neill and Explore,” Gruffyn and Reubyn’s mother, Sarah Goodenough Weatley says. 

Hoping to inspire potential Explore participants, both Gruffyn and Reubyn spoke at the Explore Information Night at HPHH in November 2023. While they were both nervous, they did an amazing job and spoke in front of dozens of people about their experience in Explore. 

“[I was] a little nervous, but despite that, I feel I did well, and I wouldn’t be opposed to doing it again if asked,” Gruffyn says. 

“[I felt] a little nervous, but as I started talking, I found it quite fun,” Reubyn says. 

“I would recommend [Explore] because it was fun and really helpful [for me] to help choose my career.” 

Gruffyn and Reubyn are both absolute rock stars. On behalf of the entire team at HPHH, we are so proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing them continue to smash their life goals.