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Meet Jeff

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Jeff was determined to keep working.

When a devastating back injury left him unable to work, Jeff soon lost his home, his relationship with his partner and found himself struggling with depression.

But no matter how difficult life got, the 64-year-old former labourer was determined to find work and move forward.

“You get so down. Everything seems like there’s a brick wall in the way and you can’t get through it,” Jeff said.

“I got pretty depressed. You’re doing the job for 40 years and that’s all you know.

“And because I’m dyslexic I found it was a big thing for me to even go into a course to do something new.”

Jeff said despite these barriers he was still wanted to work, and he went to Centrelink to ask what services were available to help him.

That’s when he was introduced to APM Employment Services and met his employment consultant Troy.

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Read a full transcript of this video. 

"It's been a new beginning for me"

Getting started with APM

Jeff worked together with Troy to build up his skills so he could complete the course as part of his individual job plan in the Disability Employment Services program.

As well as coaching Jeff through coursework and job searches, Troy was able to provide Jeff motivational support and the use of a computer in the APM office where he could work on achieving his goals.

Soon after completing the course, Jeff had an interview with a local aged care and disability support provider and they were eager to bring him into their team.

“After everything that happened, I didn’t think that I’d be here.

“With APM and Troy, they’ve made all this possible for me. I’ve put the yards in, but I’ve had good support too.”

The life-changing impact of having a job

More than nine months into his role as a carer, Jeff’s life and mental health have greatly improved.

“I do housekeeping, sometimes a bit of gardening for them. I take them to the movies, I virtually do whatever they want. I’m there for them.

“It gives me a purpose and a reason to get out of bed.

“It’s been a new beginning for me,” Jeff said.

APM Employment Services help thousands of people like Jeff every year from more than 500 locations across Australia.

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Jeff in the workplace

"It gives me a purpose and a reason to get out of bed"

Are you eligible for Disability Employment Services?

Jeff smiling

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.

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Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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

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

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.

Living with an injury, illness or disability and want to find a suitable job?

Register now