If you’re living with an injury, illness or disability and want to work, you probably already know how hard it can be to find a job.

Not only do you face the same interview and job application pressures as other job seekers, you may also have to battle the misconceptions about your ability to carry out the work.

At APM we believe there is a job out there for everyone who wants to work, whatever their circumstances. And with three new sites recently opened on the Gold Coast, we’re determined to make it as simple as possible.

We have helped thousands of people with various disabilities and health conditions get the job they need by working together with them and their employer.

We do this by helping you and your employer realise the benefits of choosing you for the job.

As part of the Disability Employment Services program, you become a valuable candidate to potential employers. By committing to the program and taking part in regular activities with APM you’re able to:

Show your reliability and positive attitude to challenges
Display independence and responsibility by working to achieve your goals, find and apply for jobs, and develop resume and develop interview skills
Show you work well as part of a team by working with your APM employment consultant and joining any group activities or workshops

Depending on your circumstances and the work you apply for, you may also get additional support to secure a job, including:

Training specific to the job or workplace
Access to short courses relevant to the industry
Help with transport to and from work
Support to get the tools, equipment or clothing you need in the job

All of these benefits come as part of an individual job plan that you work through with APM, taking into account your physical or mental health conditions or disability.

Why is hiring you good for business?

When it comes to the business side of things, the employer of a participant of APM’s Disability Employment Services program may save money when hiring you.

The government provides wage subsidies for eligible employees with a disability. In some cases, an employer can receive up to $10,000 for hiring you!

Other funding is also available to improve or modify a workplace, deliver training and provide any special tools or software you might need to perform your job well. This could be as simple as funding a special desk to reduce back pain or a new ramp or staircase to replace a difficult entrance.

Did you know that people with disability are often more reliable members of staff?

Research has shown that employees with disability take fewer sick days, have greater loyalty to their company, and generally boost moral in a team or workforce.

By supporting Australian businesses for more than 20 years, APM has seen other benefits for hiring people with disability, including:

Increased diversity and new approaches to tasks and problem solving
Improved reputation and customer view of an employer’s brand
New relationships and opportunities with customers and the community

If you want to find out more about APM’s Disability Employment Services program, visit our website or call 1800 276 276.