Lesley's Story

How Lesley sees herself has changed for the better.

Nerve reconstruction surgery hasn't stopped Lesley from finding a job she loves.

As a result of the reconstructive surgery, Lesley has reduced strength in her right arm.

“I think it's really important that (workplaces) take on people with disabilities because at the end of the day we can do jobs too. Everyone deserves a go” Lesley said

This injury has made it challenging for her to find a role which she was able to complete and enjoyed.

But not impossible!

Read a full transcript of this video.

"Everyone deserves a go"

The match for Lesley

Finding a job can be especially challenging, particularly after recovering from a significant surgery.

Lesley reflects pretty honestly.

"It (the reduced capacity in her arm) has made getting a job difficult for me," she said.

"Because I don't have the strength in my right arm that I should."

The support Lesley received through Disability Employment Services program to secure regular and ongoing work, has helped change her life for the better.

When she started working with her APM Employment Consultant David, Lesley wanted to work in retail or hospitality.

After David set to work marketing her to local businesses, it didn't take too long to find a fit for Lesley.

"Now I'm doing what I want to do," she said.

"Working with David was a great experience, he really helped me."

Lesley works at a sushi restaurant in Queensland. On any given day you'll find her preparing and selling sushi rolls from behind the counter.

"Now I'm doing what I want to do"

Positive changes

Securing employment hasn't just improved Lesley's quality of life, also her daughter's.

"My daughter had to miss out on the things that she shouldn't have to miss out on. Now it's all changed," Lesley said.

David has noticed Lesley's progress since they started working together.

“She's a lot more positive, a lot more motivated and driven” he said.

Register below to find out if you’re eligible to for one of our support programs, and APM can support you into a more exciting future, like Lesley.

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.

Meet Lesley