Employment Spotlight: Nika, Thyssen Krupp Bilstein

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Join DODD in celebrating the achievements and contributions people with disabilities bring to the workforce.

Nika Swagler, a Tugger Driver at Thyssen Krupp Bilstein, shared her positive experience in the workforce stating, "You can become independent, become responsible, you can own your own car, pay bills, travel, and do the things that you want to do." Nika has been an employee at Thyssen Krupp Bilstein in Ohio since October of 2014. Her role as a Tugger Driver includes delivering parts to different lines, being responsible for keeping lines tidy, and occasionally training people. Working Monday through Friday 5:00 AM- 1:00 PM, as well as sometimes overtime on Saturdays, she is motivated at her job by looking forward to seeing her coworkers, finding out what each day brings, and the paycheck.

Her favorite parts about this job are working overtime to get extra money, seeing her coworkers, and attending cookouts and the annual picnic.

While being at Thyssen Krupp Bilstein, they have supported Nika in going to the 2018 Olympic Games for golf as an athlete, included her in the summer bowling league, and have asked her to participate in a golf outing fundraiser.

Nika has dedicated many hours of hard work towards this job, resulting in her being awarded one of the top production tugger workers for the last 9 years. It is her work ethic and her skills that allow her to be a great employee.

For this job it is important to be a team player, have excellent communication skills, be safety conscious, and be focused and efficient. Nika mentioned that her job trainers are a constant support within her career journey. "Each shift we have group meetings to discuss what went well, what needs improvement, and safety issues," stated Nika.

For people thinking about getting a job, Nika recommends knowing the hours and the time frame that will be best for you to work, being willing to learn new skills, and be on time.

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