Luke is sitting in front of a computer with many labels around him.

Working at Ability Works Australia

At Ability Works, we create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability and others facing barriers to work.

We provide paid employment, training, and tailored support to over 160 staff, enabling them to grow their skills, contribute with confidence, and thrive in an inclusive environment. Together, we’re building a workplace — and a community — where everyone’s strengths are recognised and valued.

Who we employ

We generally support anyone who may have barriers that make it difficult to get a job in mainstream employment. Many of our supported employees live with an intellectual or physical disability (including having complex support needs), have sensory or mental health issues, or experience a mix of all these challenges.

We employ people with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, migrants for whom English is an additional language, refugees, women returning to the workforce, young people 16-25 years having difficulty getting their first job and people over 50 years having difficulty getting a job.

If you want to work, can get to work, and have a “can do” attitude, contact us by calling 03 9853 7080 and let us know of your interest. We will start the application process by providing you with some information and inviting you on a tour of our facility.

Hear from our employees:

“I didn’t think I’d like work again. But here, I found people who care and work I enjoy.”
— Lana, 26

“It’s flexible, real work with support around me.”
— Marcus, 32

Find out more about the process

Visit Ability Works Australia

Explore employment possibilities for People with Disability.

Ability Works regularly hosts informative showcases to share how Ability Works Australia empowers people with disability through inclusive, supportive, and purpose-driven employment.

If you are in any of the fields who support people with disability, eg. Occupational Therapists, Support Coordinators or Local Area Coordinators, check our news and events to find out about an upcoming information session.

“I heard about it through my support worker…”

That’s how many of our team members found Ability Works. Whether it’s through a friend, carer, or support coordinator, referrals help us connect with new employees.

Come and see for yourself

We host tours with a free light lunch. You’ll meet staff and peers who can share what it’s really like to work at Ability Works Australia.

Talk to us about visiting!

Your work choices

Wire and metal fabrication

We make a range of products for the building and construction sector. You will have an opportunity to weld, bend, drill, cut, repair temporary fences, make wire mesh products, coil holders, metal stemmed brushes and products for road and rail construction.

Packing and assembly

This area includes pick, pack, assemble, label, shrink wrap, heat seal, collate, sort and quality check.

Records management

This area includes document preparation, scanning, quality checking and mailroom services.

Inclusive Design

If you do not have sight, are in a wheelchair, have an intellectual disability, a mental health condition or live with a disability, your input is invaluable to designers who work on infrastructure, facilities, products, and services. You can help improve access and use and help design products and services that can be used by everyone, instead of just a few.

Learn more about the Inclusive Insights Platform

Employment services

We also offer a range of employment services, including:

Individual National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan support.
Specialised Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) return-to-work services.
Annual Individual Employment Plans to help achieve workplace goals.

An image with a light bulk, cog, and clock suggesting a concept of connecting ideas and opportunity in process

Customised Employment

A one-on-one approach for people with barriers to mainstream employment to secure meaningful and financially rewarding jobs and careers.

Customised Employment (CE) uses a one-on-one approach for people with barriers to employment interested in entering the workforce.

Learn more about the Customised Employment

Support and training

Beyond work, Ability Works Australia provide additional resources and opportunities, including:

Technical skills training using cue cards, jigs, and photographs.
Training in appropriate workplace practices.
Resources for families and carers.
Ongoing supervision and support while working.
Customised equipment to ensure safety and accessibility.
Opportunities to improve communication, self-organisation, workplace health and safety, and teamwork skills.
Support for progressing to more complex tasks or varied roles.
Access to formal training programs through certified TAFEs.

We can offer you job specific training or if you have a goal to improve your skills in a particular area, we are able to support that too. We conduct a lot of training in workplace health and safety. Box Hill Institute run Certificate training courses at Ability Works, which you can attend during work hours.

Talk to us about visiting!

CLICK THROUGH

News and events

Explore employment possibilities for People with Disability.

Ability Works Australia showcase for Get Online Week 2025

Ability Works Australia showcase events – August 2025

Work built around you and a job that fits. Find real work in a place where you feel safe, supported, and seen.

Ruby - Team Leader

Ruby is a valuable Team Leader at Ability Works.

“Ability Works is great at breaking jobs down, being resourceful (making things accessible) and being understanding of others. My advice to those with disabilities that want to gain employment is to never give up, you are a valued member of society. Inclusivity is a state of mind, it really isn’t that hard to do, yet most people overlook being inclusive. AWA embodies being inclusive for all.“

Jimmy - Employee

Jimmy has been working at Ability Works for four years.

“Ability Works has provided me with a community that respects and understands me. I feel valued and validated while I am here. They’ve helped me with increasing my skills as well as my active listening and communication skills. I am grateful to the Ability Works team for providing a caring and welcoming environment. I am excited to continue to work at Ability Works for years to come to help develop my skills and build lasting friendships.”

Mark – Sales Support Coordinator

Mark has progressed at Ability Works from Employee to Team Leader, and now Sales Support Coordinator.

“I decided to work at Ability Works because they could offer me a unique opportunity for supported work, tailored to my needs. Now that I work here, I love the friendly environment and the people I work with, as well as the innovative ways Ability Works can break down jobs into easily achievable tasks and continue to support their employees. Something that surprised me about Ability Works is that I met my fiancé here, I never expected to meet the love of my life at work.”

Carolyn - Employee

Carolyn has been working at Ability Works for almost four years.

“I enjoy working at Ability Works, because it is a comfortable place for both myself, and my son, who also has a disability. I enjoy feeling as though I have a purpose and meeting new people rather than sitting at home. Inclusivity is very important. Having everyone included is fantastic, no matter what their disability is, everyone has different skills to showcase. Ability Works allows people to use and develop on these skills. I am reaching the end of my working life, but I still love coming to AWA to socialise and be a part of a community.”

Giulio – Employee

Giulio has been working at Ability Works for five years.

“I love working at Ability Works because it’s such a positive environment! I have made some great friends here and the staff are the best! They are so easy to get along with, they understand that some people might need extra help and they guide you through to achieving your goals, both short and long term. I like that working here is a group effort, we all work together as a team, and as friends, and it’s not what your disabilities are, it’s what your abilities are.”

How can we help you?

Working at Ability Works Australia