From shy beginnings, Christine has become a role model of resilience.

When an ankle injury changed her life, Christine admits she came close to throwing in the towel.

Today, she is the person her employer calls to encourage other new employees.

Christine openly talks about her early struggles “I was down in a very hard spot for a while there. I could’ve gone either way but no-one was letting me give in.”

Previously, Christine worked as a regional forklift drive when she suffered a crush injury to her right ankle; the required surgery set her ankle in a fixed position leaving her with extremely limited movement.

Accustomed to being a hard worker, then becoming unable to fully bear weight on her foot, the resulting period of years out of the workforce had a big impact on Christine’s confidence and mental health.

Read a full transcript of this video.

"APM wouldn't let me give up"

Understanding her new requirements

APM supported Christine with her ankle injury and learning disability to integrate back into working life and a new industry.

Her dedicated Employment Consultant was right by her side as she negotiated some personal struggles, to construct her resume, build her confidence and work on some job interview techniques.

Now working as a Housekeeper, she is quoted by her employer Lorna as “one of the stars of the hotel at the moment”

Since finding Christine a role which enables her to work within her capabilities, she has grown to work independently with greater confidence.

And Lorna has noticed these changes

"Since I met Christine, she is now a completely a different person. She’s got courage, personality, confidence, she’s very well presented. She’s was a bit shy to start with and she wasn't sure if she could make it, but with encouragement she is now a team player" she said.

"I feel positive about the future and nothing is going to stop me"

Nothing's going to stop her

Even something as small as a foot brace to support Christine at work has made a huge difference to her well-being.

“The girls have helped me out that much and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me” said Christine

Christine admits it was a big adjustment getting back into work, and finding a routine

I nearly threw everything in at the start, my feet were bleeding because I hadn’t worn shoes in six years" she recalls "no-one let me give up and so I didn’t. I persevered and I’ve almost been here a year now."

Throughout her professional development journey from timid new starter to Housekeeping role-model, Christine also managed to lose over 20kg!

After being resilient through several huge changes in her life, Christine has become more positive about the future since securing her role

“I feel positive about the future and nothing is going to stop me, I’ll make sure of it!”

If you, or someone you know needs support to re-enter the workplace, our Employment Consultants can help

Register below to find out if you’re eligible to for our Disability Employment Services program or one of our support programs, to start your journey.

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.

Speak to us about opening your door to employment

Meet Christine