Meet Dale

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Dale smiling

When you've been struggling, the right support makes a huge difference.

Dale is a bright young man who, like many, struggled to find a job.

His autism is not a barrier to employment, but an important factor in determining how comfortable he would feel in his new workplace.

“I was really hoping to get a job, I was struggling for months” Dale said.

Working together with his APM Employment consultant David, Dale secured a job and has been loving every moment of it.

Read a full transcript of this video. 

"I was struggling for months"

Finding the right fit

Working in hospitality has proven a positive fit for Dale, and he is thriving. He has a cheerful and infectiously positive attitude.

His employer says he’s brought a positive energy to every shift:

“Dale has really come into his own since he's been with us. He's a hard worker and we've built great trust with each other.”

Dale is a vital part of the kitchen's team, which includes preparing all the primary ingredients of the sushi rolls and cleaning kitchen appliances and food preparation equipment.

Organisations like APM become the vital connection between jobseekers with a disability and employer.

"We're that middle person being able to support both parties, for jobseekers like Dale then going into employment" David said.

Dale in the workplace

"I love the job,
every moment of it"

Part of the team

Getting in touch with APM helped Dale get his foot in the door, and helped him realise his strengths.

“Working with David is great” Dale said "APM helped me find a job within weeks, if not just days. It was a fantastic feeling."

It can be challenging for people living with autism to feel confident in a new environment straight away, but securing that first job trial helped Dale be sure the job was a good fit for him and his employer.

When asked if he was excited about the future, Dale responds enthusiastically “Well I actually am kind of thrilled, very thrilled."

Our workplace consultants will take the time to understand your needs, and find employment to suit your abilities.

Register below to find out if you’re eligible for our Disability Employment Services program or one of our support programs:

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.

Speak to us about opening your door to employment