Jobs and employment services

Supporting people with significant barriers to employment

At Ability Works Australia, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to secure a job. Our Employment Services can work with you to find the ideal role for you.

(Sometimes, that ideal role is with Ability Works. Working at Ability Works is a chance to create a circle of friends, have a sense of belonging, with something to look forward to each day – all within a structured and supportive environment.)

Find out more Employment Services at Ability Works

Ability Works provides many paths to employment

Employment opportunities

What we offer

Ability Works is an inclusive and diverse non-profit organisation focussed on employment solutions for people with disabilities. We employ 120 people with all kinds of experiences and backgrounds, and we work with a further 300 NDIS and IEA participants to find the right job in mainstream employment.

Ability Works tailors work opportunities across a wide range of work activities and products so our people get to experience different jobs and build their skills. On-the-job support includes innovative machinery and tool configuration, process aids and providing specialised training to address the diverse needs and safety requirements of everyone we employ. We also support the families and carers of our team.

Join our team

We offer meaningful employment opportunities where everyone can thrive, contribute, and grow. Whether someone is just starting out or seeking a supportive space to re-enter the workforce, we value each individual’s unique strengths and perspectives. We also employ migrants for whom English is an additional language, and anyone in the community experiencing significant barriers to employment.

What we look for

Attitude is as important as ability. This is why we consider someone’s love for learning and their desire to keep improving.

We value innovative ideas and appreciate everyone’s unique qualities. We look for people who can get to work and have a ‘can do’ attitude!

Let us help build your skills

As well as employment and income, we offer a wide range of other benefits. These include the chance to improve your communication, self-organisation, workplace health and safety, working with others and an understanding of appropriate workplace behaviours and relationships.

We also promote an understanding of accountability, and work goals as you progress to more complex or varied tasks. There are many benefits that go beyond those directly associated with work, such as including new friendships and formal training.

Find out more about Supported Employment

We also offer a range of employment services

Individual National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan support

Ability Works is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme ( NDIS ) provider and we can assist with helping those who wish to receive funding for employment.

Specialised Transport Accident Commission (TAC) return to work services

Ability Works and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) have been employment partners since 2019. Ability Works currently provides employment for a number of people who been injured in road accidents.

Inclusive Employment Australia log

If you quality for the Federal Government’s Inclusive Employment Australia program and have an intellectual disability, Ability Works Australia can work with you to find the right workplace and employer for you.

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Digital and financial skills training

In addition to our employment services, we offer small workshop training for employees to build other life and employment skills if they choose including:

Living Well with Money: Basic financial literacy with a focus on earning income, reading a payslip, superannuation, needs and wants (budgeting), credit, banking and how to spot a scam.
Building digital skills: Basic digital skills for those with a technology device including, getting on to the internet, using search and conducting research, and, staying safe online.

On the job training

Our employees receive technical skills training using a range of methods including cue cards, jigs and photographs.

We are committed to providing training in appropriate workplace practices, alongside on-going supervision and support during work activities. Associated practices include making sure our staff know how to correctly operate equipment that has been customised for particular products.

Customisation of equipment

The machinery in our Wire Fabrication Facility has been modified, so that if you have a disability, you will have no challenges working on the equipment.

Adaptations have been made to ensure wheelchair accessibility, support you if you are blind or have impaired vision, or if you only have the use of one limb, you are able to work safely and not injure yourself.

Preparing for your employment journey with us

Our selection process

You do not need work experience at Ability Works, we work with you and provide support and training every step of the way.

You and your support team participate in a site tour and informational interview and receive an application pack.
Complete and return the application pack, after which we’ll conduct background and referee checks Once you’ve completed and returned the application pack, we may conduct background and referee checks.
If your interests and support needs align with our work environment, you’ll be offered a six-week work trial. (The trial may conclude earlier if it is deemed unsuccessful for any reason.)
At the end of the work trial, our training and support staff will assess your performance.
Based on your assessment, you may receive an employment offer or an extension of the work trial.
If offered employment, we will discuss the details with you and your support team.
Once you accept, you’ll receive relevant materials and begin our welcoming induction process – which follows on from things you have learnt during your work trial.

If you have applied in the past and your circumstances change later, you are always welcome to reapply.

CLICK THROUGH

User Research and Usability Testing – Participant Recruitment

Join the Inclusive Insights Platform

The Inclusive Insights Platform at Ability Works is your opportunity to contribute to Inclusive Design projects — real-world design initiatives that actively include the voices of people with diverse lived experiences. Inclusive Design ensures that products, services, environments, and systems are accessible, usable, and welcoming for everyone — especially those who are often excluded by traditional design processes, such as people with disability, migrants, older adults, and carers.

By registering with our platform, you can express interest in participating in research, workshops, product testing, and co-design sessions that influence how inclusive design solutions are created.

Our team will reach out to you personally to learn more about your background and preferences, so we can match you with projects that best suit your insights and experiences. Whether you’ve never done this before or are already passionate about inclusion, your voice matters — and we want to hear it.

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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?

Jobs and employment services