That has certainly been the case for Shoalhaven 19-year-old, Beau Brooks, who landed his dream apprenticeship as a baker at Earnest Arthur cafe in South Nowra.

Beau didn't only have the usual challenges young job-seekers face. He also had to deal with employers unwilling to take him on because of his disability.

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Beau has epilepsy, and experiences a seizure about once a month. While they aren't all serious, they have the potential to be.

Beau was studying at TAFE and had applied for a number of jobs, but many employers put him in the too-hard basket. He had nearly despaired of finding any job, let alone one in his beloved hospitality industry.

But when Workskills Shoalhaven's business development officer Paul Hardie reached out to Earnest Arthur co-owners, Peter, Alex and Elousie Dicker, they jumped at the opportunity to give Beau a go.

Peter said it was a no-brainer to hire Beau.

"Everyone brings their own challenges to the workplace," he said.

"Beau's no different to anybody else in that sense.

"We're a family business, so we find a way to make it work for everybody. And because of that, you have a two-way street of loyalty."

Beau hates it when he has a seizure in front of others.

"It makes me feel weak and slow," he said.

"It is daunting to come into a new environment and know eventually a seizure will happen."

However, when he had his first seizure at work, there was no need to worry.

The team handled it seamlessly, using the procedures they had developed with Cathy Arcus at Workskills Shoalhaven to support Beau through it.

Beau said afterwards he felt accepted for who he was.

"I got good help - Vince, the head baker here put me in the recovery position and called the ambulance," he said.

"Afterwards, everyone looked after me and checked on me. I felt really comfortable to come back to work."

Although some might baulk at the prospect of starting work before most people wake up, Beau says he loves the early morning peace and quiet.

The team at Earnest Arthur said that's typical of the positive attitude Beau brings to their business - and some bonus netball skills to their social team after hours.

But Beau's favourite part of his new role is making pies.

"It's quite calming, and as soon as the shop opens people are straight into them," he said.

"It feels amazing."

Mr Hardie said Workskills would continue to support Beau through his career, even after he has finished his apprenticeship.

And the Earnest Arthur team will too - Peter Dicker said they have "big plans" for Beau.

The plans include an upcoming entry in the Great Aussie Pie competition.

Between baking the greatest pie in Australia and finishing his apprenticeship the future looks bright for Beau.

This isn't the case for all people with disabilities, many of whom face significant barriers to employment and social participation.

These barriers can include stigma and discrimination which organisations like Workskills Shoalhaven and businesses like Earnest Arthur are helping to break down.

This December 3 is the International Day of People with Disabilities. The theme for 2020 is 'Not all disabilities are visible'. It aims to highlight the experiences of people like Beau who live with invisible disabilities.