But he's been learning fast.

Now, he said, catching a train is easy.

``And it's all because of Cumberland Industries,'' he said. ``I love working here.

``It's given me the confidence and skills to improve my life.''

Cumberland Industries provides employment and training in a caring and compassionate work environment for more than 540 people with a disability, like Andrew.

Penrith is the seventh and latest social enterprise, with Cumberland Fine Foods Penrith starting operation last May.

The purpose-built food manufacturing facility has hit the ground running, securing a multi-million contract to produce pre-prepared meals for supermarkets.

And thanks to dedicated employees like Andrew, the Penrith production line is now producing 10,000 units of food a day. ``I've fluffed over 7000 containers of rice,'' Andrew said.

``People at Cumberland understand our situation and can understand what we go through.

``The other staff are great and we all pull together to help each other out.

``We're like a little family and we go the extra mile to make sure everyone is OK and having fun.''

Cumberland Industries' corporate relations director, Margaret Ryan, envisaged that Cumberland Fine Foods Penrith will become a $10million-a-year operation in the foreseeable future.

``When we make a decision, we don't let the grass grow under our feet,'' she said. ``We saw Penrith had an enormous need for a business service like ours, because 5000 in the area are on the disability support

pension.

``Cumberland is a very special place. Not only do we add value to the lives of people with a disability, families and carers but we also provide a quality and reliable service.''