Meet Mitchell
Asking for help to find a job was the best thing Mitchell's done for himself.
Putting yourself out there to find a job can be tough.
Some people don’t manage find an area of work where they can really shine.
But not Mitchell.
Mitchell lives with ADD, PTSD and autism, and he struggled to find a role he could really immerse himself in, before he connected with APM.
He remembers how stressful it was “I was really depressed a lot of the time, and had trouble focusing - I hadn't really found a job that suited me.”
“Being in a new place can be a total shock to my system, and I struggled to learn new things” he said.
For Mitchell, it was essential to be in an environment where he worked well, with potential for growth and professional development.
"It doesn’t matter what challenges you face - they will always help"
Read a full transcript of this video.
Finding the right fit for Mitchell
Mental health conditions can take a huge toll on worker health and productivity and can have wide ripple effects.
Mitchell and his dedicated employment consultant worked together on some job interview skills such as managing nerves before and during an interview and knowing the best questions to ask.
He described his experience with APM positively “(my consultant) really sat down with me and helped me figure out where I fit in, what I was actually good at."
“It doesn’t matter what mental challenges you face; they will always help and that has been brilliant,” he said.
Mitchell worked hard to utilise these skills and was successfully employed at a large hotel in Perth.
Developing coping mechanisms for his nerves were very helpful for Mitchell, particularly on his first day and settling into his role.
“I’m currently working as a bellboy/valet parker/night auditor. I do a little bit of everything so there’s a lot of variety and it’s customer service in an area where I really shine."
"It has improved so much of my life, I actually can't find the words"
A positive outlook
Having the structure of a job in his life has been, as he describes, “magical” for Mitchell.
Knowing he can support himself financially and manage his mental health and wellbeing has enabled him to enjoy life that little bit more.
“My mental health has certainly improved and that is improving my friendships as well, I've become more positive,” he said.
“It means that I can actually plan for the future, which is something I haven’t been able to do for a long time. I’m able to do things that I enjoy, having the cash to cover my bills and spare cash to have a meal out and other little things.”
Register below to find out if you’re eligible to for one of our support programs, so our Employment Consultants can help open more doors for you!
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 don’t have to have a physical disability to qualify for Disability Employment Services.
If you have a physical or mental health condition that limits your capacity to perform a job, you may be eligible to join the program.
We help thousands of people living with a range of short-term, long-term or permanent health conditions, find work every year.
You may be eligible if you:
- have a diagnosed injury, illness or disability
- are an Australian resident aged from at least 14 to pension age
- are able to work at least eight hours per week
If you’re unemployed, don’t let a health condition stop you from working.
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:
- 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.
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