Taking the first steps towards a bright future
Breakfast is the first and most important meal of the day; and it’s become the first and most important meal of Felix’s culinary career.
Felix wanted to take a step towards more sustainable employment and his goal of becoming a Chef.
His autism impacts his ability to retain new information, and he needed a supportive work environment where he could learn some of the culinary basics.
He achieved this all-important first step after connecting with APM, and it didn’t take him long to start succeeding!
Feeling welcome
One of Felix's goals was to secure more sustainable employment; he'd had casual jobs but hadn't found a role where he felt he could grow and progress.
With support from APM's Disability Employment Services Felix has found his groove as part of the breakfast team in a large hotel in Perth.
As part of a diverse team he's mastering some cooking and food preparation techniques
He's learning a lot of new information, which means Felix has become better at asking for help in a team environment.
"It’s actually really good because it means I can talk to people and they can show me how to do things and things, it helps a lot" he said.
The right support
Felix and his APM Employment Consultant still talk regularly to see how he's getting on, and discussing feedback from his employer.
With the right strategies in place to support his learning difficulty, Felix has kicked goals in other areas of his life, including passing his driving test!
His consultant Philippa observes positive changes in him:
"I think his progress has really been with that confidence. After passing his driving test he’s really getting that confidence and independence to have his first real job" she said.
Felix's employer Wendelin talks about the diverse and supportive environment in his kitchen:
"We work quite closely with a number of other culinary students, my team is used to have new trainees in the kitchens. For them it’s the same process they apply for all the other cooking students that come through, they just need to take that little bit of extra time" he said.
When asked what his favourite part of his new role was, Felix said:
"Being able to come and have something to do and put my energy into this, and yeah I definitely feel accepted here" he said "I feel really positive about the future."
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.