When it comes to overcoming challenges, Ruth is someone who never gives up.
This determined and positive outlook led Ruth to APM Employment Services for support in learning new skills and boosting her chances of finding a valuable job.
“I got frustrated being home all the time,” Ruth says. And she means it.
Instead of staying home Ruth visited her local APM team where she made use of the site’s computers to upgrade her own skills and employment search. Ruth has battled breast cancer and lives with a heart condition and Crohn’s disease.
Eligible for support through Disability Employment Services, Ruth, 62, took up the opportunity to try something new.
Her goal is to find a job as a support worker helping others in the community and she has been completing training courses while also learning to use a computer with the help of her friend employment services team.
“I’m looking forward to after I’ve finished my course and getting into home help,” Ruth said.
“I would say that I’ve got a lot to offer now” - Ruth
Read a full transcript of this video.
A new chapter
Ruth passionately advocates for employers to have more openness to employing older Australians.
“I think employers should be more open to older people getting a job, once you turn around 55, it’s very hard to get a job” she said.
Ruth has been supported the whole way on her journey so far by members of her local APM team.
They’ve helped build her self-confidence, helping her find skill building training and a Certificate III in independent support.
When Ruth first approached APM, Business Manager Janelle saw the first step was to build up her confidence.
“She’s a genuine kind person who likes to help people, we could see that in her, but she wasn’t quite job ready, she wasn’t confident enough,” Janelle says.
Despite having never used a computer before, Janelle said Ruth took on the opportunity enthusiastically.
“APM is fantastic, just like family” - Ruth
On the path to success
Since starting her studies online, Ruth’s gained confidence and has no trouble asking for help when she needs it.
“If I get in any trouble with my computer I only have to ask, and they’ll come and help me,” Ruth says.
Studying online was something she didn’t think she’d do, and when Ruth completed her first semester, the APM team were there to celebrate with her.
“They said we’ll be here for you, and they have, it’s been fantastic” she said.
“I look forward to every Wednesday, coming down here and getting on my computer and doing my course.”
Her weekly routine, the stimulation of study in a supportive environment have boosted her confidence and given her the best possible start to her next employment journey.
Gaining access to training opportunities is just part of the Disability Employment Services program participants receive.
Each eligible person who joins the program gains a personalised job plan to help them become job-ready before searching for suitable employment.
With the dedication and commitment Ruth has given her job plan and the learning available, the APM team can’t wait to see where Ruth succeeds next.
“She’s a genuine kind person who likes to help people, we could see that in her" - Janelle
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.