Emma's job success story: How she found her natural fit with a nature role

Emma found her natural fit with nature role.

Living with the pressures of end-stage kidney failure not only made finding regular employment difficult for Emma, but she also faced challenges with her mental health.

“I have suffered from depression and anxiety and I have end-stage kidney failure,” Emma said.

“I had nothing to do during the day but focus on what wasn’t going right in life. It was really hard to find a job that was flexible.”

As well as having the money and independence employment brings, Emma wanted to be productive and have a purpose for getting up in the morning.

That's where Disability Employment Services with APM comes in.

Read a full transcript of this video.

"Getting out of bed every morning means something"

Getting started with APM

When Emma joined APM Employment Services, her dedicated employment consultant Cindy listened to the issues she faced and worked with Emma to create a unique plan to move her forward.

Supporting Emma through the Disability Employment Services program, with help looking for suitable jobs, writing resumes and preparing for interviews.

Despite her challenges, Emma was determined to find a job that worked for her and she tried new opportunities with different employers without success.

Emma’s employment consultant Cindy also continued to reach out to local employers who might be able to provide a more suitable and flexible role.

The life-changing impact of having a job

When APM approached Sharon at local herb farm The Green Shed, they found an employer and a working environment that could really suit Emma.

And it was Emma’s enthusiasm and eagerness to succeed despite setbacks and health challenges that impressed Sharon when Emma visited the workplace for an interview.

“Everyone is capable of doing something, no matter how big or small,” said Sharon.

“I think Emma surprised herself in being able to do a lot more than she even thought herself.”

Now Emma, and her pet dog Charlie, are popular members of The Green Shed team, which supplies naturally grown herbs, edible flowers and other vegetables to restaurants and shops nearby.

"At the end of the day I’ve done something productive. I’ve done something for myself"

Are you eligible for Disability Employment Services?

You may be eligible for our Disability Employment Services program if you:

Have a diagnosed injury, illness or disability
Are aged from at least 14 to pension age
Are at or above the minimum legal working age in your state or territory
Are able to work at least eight hours per week (with support when required)
Are an Australian resident
Are not studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)
Are not working at or above your assessed employment capacity

You can access APM Disability Employment Services through a referral by Centrelink or by registering with us directly.

When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you are eligible, they will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider. Remember to ask to join APM so you get the best service when searching for employment.

If you’re with another Disability Employment Services provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to you.

Frequently asked questions

Who is APM?

APM is the largest provider of Disability Employment Services in Australia.

With more than 500 locations across the country we help more people into work than anyone else.

We know how hard it is to find work when you’re facing other challenges. We don’t just want you to find a job, we want to help you change your life for the better.

When you come to APM we get to know you so we can help you get the support that’s right for you.

We help you set realistic goals and keep you focused on finding a job that works for you.

There’s a job out there for you.

Let’s go find it.

How does Disability Employment Services work?

Disability Employment Services (DES) is an initiative by the Australian Government to help people with an injury, illness or disability find and keep a job.

This can include helping people to:

manage health issues that may be making it hard to get work
identifying their strengths and work capabilities
developing skills for jobs and being part of a workplace
succeed when they start a new job with further information and support

APM is Australia’s largest contracted provider of Disability Employment Services and we deliver support programs to eligible people across the country.

Who qualifies for Disability Employment Services?

You can join APM for Disability Employment Services through Centrelink.

When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you're eligible, they will recommend you to a Disability Employment Services provider. Remember to ask to join APM so you get the best service when searching for employment.

To be eligible for Disability Employment Services, you must be:

An Australian resident aged from at least 14 to pension age
Receiving an income support payment, disability support pension, an NDIS participant or an eligible school leaver
Able to work between eight to 30 hours per week (with support when required)
Not studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)
Not already working at or above your assessed work capacity

If you're already receiving an income support payment, you can also register with us directly.

If you’re with another provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to you.

What to expect

When you register with APM for Disability Employment Services, we will contact you to confirm your eligibility and invite you for your first appointment.

You will get a local employment consultant who knows the employers, businesses and job opportunities near you.

They will listen to you and build a plan that takes into account your health, personal circumstances, interests and any skills or experience you may have.

Your plan will be unique to you and include steps to help with:

building your confidence
writing your resume and job applications
searching for suitable jobs with potential employers
preparing for interviews
access to services to manage health issues or barriers to work

With APM, you get the support, you get the skills and you get the rewards of having a valuable job.

Already with another provider?

Don’t miss out on a program made just for you, by one of Australia’s best-rated providers.

APM has some of the highest job placement rates in the country.

You can transfer to your nearest APM team in three easy steps:

Call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260
Ask to transfer to APM
Accept our invite to your first meeting

Join the thousands of APM job seekers who change their lives every year by finding valuable employment.

Find your nearest APM location

APM is Australia's largest provider of Disability Employment Services and we have more than 500 locations nationwide.

You can find your nearest APM team on our Find Us page.

Growing with the right job