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Overcoming the biggest hurdle

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Caley has plenty of goals he wants to kick.

As a popular member of staff in the Woolworths produce department, Caley says starting his job has got him over his biggest hurdle.

Diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy, Caley knows all about the challenges of finding a sustainable job which he enjoys.

And with his energetic approach, commitment to his Disability Employment Services program and assistance from APM, Caley has now been in his job for more than two years.

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Read a full transcript of this video. 

"I have a reason to put pants on in the morning"

Getting started with APM

Caley came to APM Employment Services eager to find a job in retail.

He told his employment consultant Shelley he really wanted to work with customers.

Spending time getting to know Caley as part of the Disability Employment Services program, Shelly was able to approach employers to see if they could take Caley on for work experience.

This allowed employers and Caley to see what sort of roles would be suitable.

When Caley started a placement with Woolworths, it was clear to everybody he would be a perfect fit.

The life-changing impact of having a job

If you ask Caley why he likes his job so much, he doesn’t hesitate to point out the importance of being in long-term employment.

“I’ll happily say to anyone who asks, I have a reason to put pants on in the morning. What’s not to like?” he said.

Caley says his job is also important to him because he is able to give back to the community and engage with the customers.

“It allows me to give back to the community and put a little sunshine on their faces,” he said.

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smiling woolworths employee

"It's been the best two years of my life"

Overcoming the challenges of working with a disability

Caley says the physical impact of his cerebral palsy is the biggest issue that impacts how he works.

“Given that my left leg is naturally weaker I can’t be on my feet for too long,” he said.

“I’ll need to take a break and sit down, and that’s one of the good things about the small shifts that I usually have.”

But Caley doesn’t let the challenges stop him from working as he regularly picks up extra shifts.

“I’ve been working here for two years now and I can honestly say it’s been the best two years of my life,” he said.

If you or someone you know is living with autism and wants help finding a job, visit your local APM team or register with us today to get started.

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Are you eligible for Disability Employment Services?

woolworths employee holding bananas

You may be eligible for our Disability Employment Services program if you:

  • Have a diagnosed injury, illness or disability
  • Are aged from at least 14 to pension age
  • Are at or above the minimum legal working age in your state or territory
  • Are able to work at least eight hours per week (with support when required)
  • Are an Australian resident
  • Are not studying full time (unless you’re an eligible school leaver)
  • Are not working at or above your assessed employment capacity

You can access APM Disability Employment Services through a referral by Centrelink or by registering with us directly.

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.

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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:

  1. Call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260
  2. Ask to transfer to APM
  3. 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

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