Starting a new journey or facing big changes can be a nervous time for anyone.
But speak to Robyn, a participant of Disability Employment Services with APM, and she’ll tell you the positive outcomes are often worth the challenge.
Not so long ago Robyn felt she wasn’t good enough for a job and was extremely nervous about applying for support with APM Employment Services.
Eligible for support through the Disability Employment Services program, due to depression and anxiety, Robyn soon discovered the help from her local APM team was just what she needed to move forward.
“I was so nervous just walking into an employment agency, my confidence was so low, I couldn’t hardly speak to the girls, I’d be shaking,” Robyn recalled.
“And with their support and their emotional support, it’s such a major change in my life and I couldn’t be any happier.”
The APM team who helped her on her journey to employment, she considers to be like sisters.
"It’s such a major change in my life" - Robyn
Read a full transcript of this video.
A new journey
Today, Robyn’s perception of herself has completely changed and she is a confident and dedicated support worker for older people in her local community.
“I had no plans or idea of getting any sort of job” Robyn said.
“I didn’t think I was good enough for a job.”
APM business manager Janelle and employment consultant Rhiannon saw the potential in Robyn and helped her take steps she never thought she could.
“We worked together with Robyn and did some research with the areas that she would be most successful in,” Rhiannon said.
The team were able to help Robyn get an interview with a suitable employer as they helped her to become job-ready with activities and training as part of the program.
“We built her confidence up for that interview and she was quite successful,” Rhiannon added.
The Benalla APM team helped Robyn obtain appropriate screening checks, working with children check and her first aid certificate.
She completed a course which enabled her to pursue a career as a personal care assistant in aged care and that put her in a great position when she came to the interview.
“My life changed so much when I got the position” Robyn said.
“I felt more productive, confident, my skills and mindset changed.”
Even since becoming employed, Robyn is still supported by Rhiannon, to make sure she has what she needs to be successful and happy.
"She's a more confident lady, she's very proud of her work and her job"
- Rhiannon
Living a better life
In her role, Robyn helps older Australians and people living with disability.
She assists them in their homes and in the community with daily living tasks.
“I love it because I’m helping them to be productive and life their best life” she said.
“My life has changed so much.”
Since beginning in stable employment, it’s not just Robyn who has noticed the difference it has made.
“She's a more confident lady, she's very proud of her work and her job - she knows that she's doing well,” Rhiannon said.
Robyn’s loved ones can see her confidence has increased, making her more social and active in the community.
“I’m confident, I’ve come out of my shell and I’m more social, I’m able to speak to people and it’s actually helped me to live a better life as well” Robyn said.
The flexibility and financial benefits of employment have enabled Robyn to go on a cruise ship holiday and upgrade her car.
She’s planning one of many visits to her son, who now resides in Western Australia.
“I couldn’t be any happier.”
"It’s actually helped me to live a better life as well"
- Robyn
Are you eligible 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.
When you visit Centrelink, they carry out an employment assessment and if you are 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.
If you’re with another Disability Employment Services provider, but would like to change to APM, contact us and our teams will be happy to speak to 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 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:
- 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.
There are jobs out there.
We can help you find them.