WHEN Chad Cornes returned to Alberton for pre-season training last November, the last thing he expected was to be sent for a week’s work experience.

But - along with the rest of the Power squad - Cornes was assigned an employer for the week and had to turn up to do a 9-5 work day before then heading to training in the evening.

Cornes was sent to work at the Phoenix Society, at its digital print and mail processing division ‘Post Haste’. Poste Haste is one of five work sites Phoenix has in South Australia, which together employ more than 600 people, including 450 with a disability.

A not-for-profit organisation, the Phoenix Society was established in 1958 and has been providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities for more than 50 years.

So affected was he by his experience, Cornes offered to become an Ambassador for Phoenix.

Phoenix Society Chief Executive Ian Terry - a huge Power supporter - says Chad’s persistence in asking to be involved was instrumental in the Power player coming on board.

“We often find people who come here and see what we do and become part of our team have an initial burst of enthusiasm,” Mr Terry said.

“But Chad was really persistent and approached us several times in the months after his experience with us wanting to remain involved.

“That’s led us to adding him as an Ambassador for the Phoenix Society which is really exciting.”

Chad says he’s looking forward to his new role.

“My first contact with Phoenix came about through my week’s work experience with them in November.

Everybody was so welcoming and friendly towards me — I just had a great time. I found the whole experience very rewarding.

“I came away from that week thinking I wanted to get more involved and decided to put my hand up to become an ambassador.

“Now it’s happened and I’m really looking forward to helping out."