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Pat has a job that makes him feel like a superstar.

As a lively, friendly face in the cafe at the Warragul Country Club, Pat is a popular member of the team.

Club members stop to chat and newcomers enjoy the warm welcome he brings while delivering food and drinks to their tables. 

With his enthusiasm and positive approach to his job, it's clear Pat isn't going to let the challenge of living with an intellectual disability stop him from working.

Read a full transcript of this video. 

"I look forward to meeting different people"

Getting started with APM 

Like many parents, Pat’s mum and dad used to fear he would never get the chance to prove he was capable of working.

Then Centrelink referred Pat to APM for Disability Employment Services, and his positive approach to finding a job made a strong impression. It was clear Pat was eager to find work in which he could shine.

Pat’s dedicated APM employment consultant, Shelley, knew instantly he was going to do everything he could to get the job that would change his life.

“He came into my first appointment and he had a glint in his eye,” said Shelley.

Opening doors for Pat

As part of his personalised job plan with Shelley, Pat was able to build skills and confidence with approaching and talking to potential employers, as well as access support with job applications and interviews.

It was a meeting with Michael at Warragul Country Club that Pat was able to show his friendly, positive and approachable personality.

“At the time we didn’t have a role, but the café was getting busier and busier so that was when we thought of a role that we needed,” Michael said.

Pat serving coffee

"I can buy things I want - I'm trying to put a bit of money away to buy a house"

Unlocking Pat’s potential

Delivering food and drinks to club members and collecting their empty dishes afterwards, Pat was given support from APM and his employer to become a popular member of the team.

“It takes me a while to get the hang of different things,” said Pat.

“Michael’s really accommodating. He knows what I can do and what I can’t do,” he added.

Supporting Pat on the job

When Pat started he occasionally dropped things, but keen to develop their new employee's skills, the club and APM organised a larger tray with sides for Pat to use.

Since then Pat has continued to progress with support from this employer and APM to overcome any new challenges.

“It’s been both a benefit for Patrick and a benefit to our club as well. We’re really happy to have him as part of the team,” Michael added.

Meeting new people

Pat says he enjoys going to work and being recognised by the regular members as well as meeting new people.

“I look forward to going to work and just meeting different people too because a lot of new people come in.

“I’ll start talking to them, and they’ll start talking to me, it's like I’m a superstar here!”

A life changing job 

Shelley keeps in contact with Pat as part of his post placement support after he started work, and she has noticed the benefits the job has brought to him.

“I’ve seen Pat’s confidence grow and also his fine motor skills have improved a lot just by having that extra support," she said.

As he continues to work at the club, Pat says he enjoys having his own income to buy the things he wants. 

And he still isn't backing down from a challenge.

"I'm trying to put a bit of money aside to buy a house," he said. "So far it's working".

Register now

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.

There are jobs out there. 

We can help you find them.

Register now