How to start your job search with APM and Centrelink
Looking for work and not sure whether you need to speak to APM or Centrelink first?
APM works with the Australian Government to provide employment services that help people prepare for work, find a job and stay in work.
APM is not part of Centrelink. However, if you are eligible for government-funded employment services, Centrelink may refer you to APM for employment support.
How APM can help you find work
Depending on your eligibility and circumstances, APM may be able to support you if you are:
- unemployed or looking for more hours of work
- living with disability, injury or a health condition
- a carer
- an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
- a young person looking for work
- from a culturally and linguistically diverse community
- facing other barriers that make finding or keeping a job more difficult.
Our employment teams can help you identify your goals, prepare for work, connect with employers and find opportunities that suit you.
Already with Centrelink?
If you receive support through Centrelink, you may be able to ask for APM as your employment services provider.
Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, you may receive support through programs such as Workforce Australia Services or Inclusive Employment Australia.
Centrelink or Services Australia may also arrange an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) where one is required. An ESAt looks at your circumstances and helps determine the employment services and support that may be suitable for you.
If you would like to receive employment support from APM, contact us and our team can help explain your next steps.
Not currently with Centrelink?
You don't necessarily need to receive a Centrelink payment to be eligible for employment support.
Eligibility depends on the employment program and your individual circumstances.
You may need a Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) as part of the referral or registration process.
If you don't have one, Services Australia can explain how to get a CRN and provide the identity documents they require.
Not sure where to start? Talk to APM.
We can help you understand which services may be available to you and what you need to do next.
What happens when you join APM?
If you're eligible for employment services with APM, you'll work with our team to create a plan for finding and keeping a job.
Depending on the program and your circumstances, this could include:
- identifying your employment goals
- searching and applying for suitable jobs
- preparing your résumé
- getting ready for interviews
- connecting with employers
- accessing training or other employment support
- getting support when you start a new job.
If you have requirements connected with your Centrelink payment, we'll also explain the employment activities you need to complete.
Your circumstances can change. If something is making it difficult for you to take part in your employment program, talk to your APM employment consultant as soon as possible.
We can help you understand your options and whether you also need to contact Centrelink or Services Australia.
Found a job? We're still here to help
Starting work doesn't necessarily mean your support from APM ends.
Let your APM employment consultant know when you find a job. Depending on your circumstances and employment program, we may be able to continue supporting you as you settle into your new workplace.
This can include help to address challenges at work and support to help you stay employed.
If you receive a Centrelink payment, you should also make sure you report your employment and income to Centrelink as required.
Centrelink payments can change when you start earning income, so keep your employment and income information up to date.
Success stories
Nicole was told she'd never work again due to her back injury. See how proved them wrong with a rewarding new career.
Discover how Angus enjoys his dream job and the impact it's had on his life.
How ongoing support through Inclusive Employment Australia keeps Rob on track
Ready to start looking for work?
Whether you're already connected with Centrelink or you're simply looking for help to find your next job, talk to APM.
We'll help you understand the employment services available to you and what you need to do to get started.