A large-scale rail project is creating meaningful, hands-on work opportunities at Mai-Wel Enterprises, with supported employees contributing to a wagon restoration initiative that will help upgrade train braking systems.
Pacific National approached Mai-Wel in 2025 to partner on its component of the venture, delivered in collaboration with Varley Group.
It recognises the organisation’s capability to complete high-quality, industry-aligned assembly work.
Mai-Wel has assembled specialised kits containing the components required for the braking upgrades, providing supported employees with the opportunity to contribute to a significant industry project while gaining practical experience in a warehouse environment.
Recently, Pacific National and Varley Group kindly invited members of the team to visit the Varley site.
It offered a valuable chance to see how their work formed part of the larger wagon construction process.
The visit gave them a direct connection between their day-to-day operations and the finished outcome, too, reinforcing the importance of precision, quality and teamwork.
Mai-Wel Enterprises’ lead support worker – timber Ryan Heffernan said supported employees had taken on tasks aligned with genuine warehouse and logistics procedures.
“They’ve completed assignments such as picking components from stock locations, assembling kits using packing lists, packaging completed kits for delivery, and accurately completing truck checklists,” he explained.
“These responsibilities build confidence in following processes, maintaining quality standards and working to practical timelines.”
The tasks also provided participants with the opportunity to operate within professional warehouse standards, complete assurance checks and deliver against operational timeframes.
Mai-Wel’s business development and partnerships specialist Louise Fernie said the collaboration demonstrated how industry partnerships could strengthen long-term employment pathways.
“When employers open the door to real work, it builds confidence and capability in a way training alone cannot,” she added.
“Partnerships like this create mutual benefit.
“Industry achieves quality outcomes, while our supported employees and participants gain experience, skills and clearer pathways toward future employment.”
Mai-Wel acknowledges Pacific National for initiating the partnership and supporting inclusive employment in action.
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