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Inclusive Employment Australia is a free service funded by the Australian Government and delivered by providers, such as APM Employment Services.

It is a program that helps you prepare for, find, and keep a job. Participants often join through a referral from Centrelink (Services Australia). Centrelink will check to see if you're eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia before referring you to a provider, such as APM.

Inclusive Employment Australia replaced the Disability Employment Services program in November 2025.

Megan stands outside her cafe smiling with coffees.

Registering for Inclusive Employment Australia

You can register for Inclusive Employment Australia by contacting us directly. Visit your nearest APM Employment Services office or call our friendly support team on 1800 276 276.

We can guide you through the process and tell you about the support you may be eligible to receive.

We’ll also let you know if you need to visit Centrelink for an Employment Services Assessment (ESAT).

This will let us know the type of support you need and help guide us on jobs you may be most suitable for.

You can also call the Centrelink employment services line 132 850 - and ask to join APM Employment Services for Inclusive Employment Australia.

DES participant, Employment Services, Employer

Your Inclusive Employment Australia journey

Our focus is on you and your employment goals - not your disability, injury or health condition.

You start with a meeting with a dedicated employment consultant who will be your champion to setting and achieving your goals.

Together you build a plan with activities to help you achieve your goals and keep you moving forward. These may include:

  • helping you to prepare for work and what to expect in a job
  • looking at job-specific training
  • access to mental health or other local support services
  • learning more about the jobs that interest you

You also get support to search and apply for jobs and when you’re ready to work, help with interviews and meeting local employers.

Support when you start work

Finding a new job might just be the beginning. We want to make sure you feel happy, confident and comfortable at work.

We also want to make sure you have the same opportunities as your co-workers to do your job well.

Your APM employment consultant will check in with you regularly to see how you’re going and help with any challenges you may have.

If you need us, we can provide on-the-job support, which may include workplace modifications, skills training, and other assistance to help you succeed at work.

And we can also meet with your employer and co-workers to ensure a supportive work environment.

We’re here to help you for at least 12 months once you start your new job, making sure you feel supported and confident at work for the long term.

If things change

Life is unpredictable. If your circumstances, work capacity, or health changes we’re here to help.

Buy working together we can adjust your Inclusive Employment Australia program so that it works with your new situation.

And if you have started a new job, we can work with you and your employer to modify your role or employment to minimise the disruption of any changes where possible.

The important thing is to keep us informed of any changes or concerns you have along the way. 

Frequently asked questions

Supported disabilities

Explore the disabilities, injuries, and health conditions of people we support.

NDIS participants

How to apply when you're an NDIS participant.

School leavers

Access support if you're preparing to leave or have recently left school.

Inclusive employment success stories

DES participant, Employment Services

Gary chose to get back on his feet and find a job he loves

DES participant Ngaire smiles outside against a rural property and blue sky in her new work uniform

Ngaire chose to find a fulfilling career to succeed in

APM DES participant Sean sits at a computer accessing APM's job seeker resources.

Sean chose to find a job to match his skills and interests

DES participant, Employment Services

Eric chose to find a job that gave him a purpose

DES participant, Employment Services

Stephen chose a job where he's valued for his work

Geoff chose to secure a new job to support his family

Geoff chose to secure a new job to support his family

Lisa and Sean from APM talk to DES participant Melissa

Melissa chose a job with a supportive employer

Emma-banner

Emma chose to find a career and support her health

Inclusive Employment Australia Melbourne

Tayla chose a job helping older people