AT THE age of 14, Frazer Gilbert is already juggling three jobs as he sets his sights on earning enough money to afford his first car.
The Flagstone teen, who has autism, started collecting recyclable cans, cleaning bins and washing cars throughout 2019 as he seeks to boost his future employment prospects.
Mr Gilbert also worked at Domino's Pizza before moving on earlier in the year.
The Beaudesert State High School student said one of his biggest achievements of 2019 was collecting 1838 recyclable containers in just six weeks and exchanging them at the Jimboomba Urban Depot for $183.80.
"I like helping the environment and collecting cans from people who can;t get to recyclable centres," Mr Gilbert said.
"I'm hoping to save up enough money for a car or a house.
"One day I would like to get into business as it really motivates me.
"I could also become a teacher or a paramedic."
Mr Gilbert's parents are matching every dollar he earns to help him realise his dream of buying a car.
Frazer's mother, Rebecca Gilbert, said her son was overcoming barriers to employment.
"He sits down at home and writes his business plans setting out what he has to do to achieve his goals," she said.
"Frazer needs to burn off a lot of energy, so we found that when we have him walking and collecting cans we are killing two birds with one stone. He is keeping active and it gave him a sense of personal responsibility.
"When we say he has a disability a lot of employers don;t want to take him on. Frazer decided to work in his own time with no pressure and there are no barriers there."
Ms Gilbert said her son has also learned vital organisation and structural skills with his work.
Frazer's work commitments typically keep him occupied for 20 hours per week.
He said the work experience had boosted his character and prepared him for future challenges.
"My social skills have developed and I have learned about the value of money," he said.
"If I want something I know I have to use my own money and earn it."
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the unemployment rate for autistic Australians was six times higher than the rate for people without disability.