Work experience can be a great first step towards getting a job. Learn more about how it can help you and ways to get experience, including as a volunteer., What is work experience?, Work experience gives you a chance to see and take part in the daily tasks of a workplace. You are not usually paid for it, and it goes for a short time. For example, it might be: full time for 2 or 3 weeks a day or 2 each week over a few months., Benefits of work experience, Work experience can have many benefits for you: It’s a great way to build your skills. It lets you try different jobs to see what you like and what you're good at. It can help you show an employer what you can do. You can show that you are positive and eager to work. It can help an employer look at what changes they can make in the workplace to support you – for example, if you need assistive…, How to get work experience, Your Inclusive Employment Australia provider can give you information about work experience. If you’re not getting income support from Centrelink or don’t have an Inclusive Employment Australia provider, you could: look for work experience through family and friends visit some businesses and give them your resume look on the websites of places you’d like to work and see if they have a work…, Doing volunteer work, Volunteering is a great way to get some work experience. There are many places that need volunteers, such as local community groups. Start by thinking about the kind of activity you’d like to do. For example, would you enjoy working with animals? Or help to raise money for a charity? You can search for volunteer roles online. Websites that list roles across Australia include GoVolunteer and Seek…
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An apprenticeship is a great way to get a qualification while you work. There is support available if you’re an apprentice or trainee with disability., What is an apprenticeship?, Apprenticeships and traineeships are a way to combine paid work and study to get a qualification. They are both types of an Australian Apprenticeship. You can be an apprentice or trainee in a range of industries, both in private business and in government. Anyone of working age can start an Australian Apprenticeship. You might also be able to start an Australian School-based Apprenticeship while…, What is Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS)?, DAAWS is a payment to support Australian Apprentices who have disability. If you are eligible, the Australian Government pays DAAWS to your employer. The government might also pay DAAWS to your employer if you become disabled while doing your apprenticeship. For more information about DAAWS contact an Inclusive Employment Australia provider or an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN)…, Help from a tutor, mentor or interpreter, If you are an Australian Apprentice you may be able to get support from a tutor, mentor or interpreter. This is a service for apprentices who need help with their studies due to their disability. The payment for the service is paid to the Registered Training Organisation where you are doing your training. If you think you could use some help, talk to your Registered Training Organisation,…, Getting help, If you'd like to become an apprentice or trainee, contact an AASN provider in your area to get started. If you're already an apprentice, your AASN provider or Inclusive Employment Australia provider can help with more information about the support available. Centrelink can also help you work out if you can get income support while you do an apprenticeship. To get more information you can: visit…
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A good resume can make a difference in helping you get a job. It shows employers your skills, work experience, qualifications and interests., What to include in your resume, Your resume should provide all the key information about your experience and work history that an employer needs to know. A typical resume includes: your name and contact details a short summary about you or your career goals employment history education and training work skills. You might add other sections, such as volunteer work and achievements. What you include can depend on the length of…, Updating your resume, It’s a good idea to review your resume at least every 6 months to make sure it’s still up to date. You should add any new skills you have learned during this time. Often you will need to tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. For example, to highlight certain skills and experience that relate to the job requirements., Dealing with gaps in your work history, It’s not unusual to have a gap in your work history and it’ll only stand out if you don’t explain it. The main thing employers want to see is that you are keen and ready for the job you’re applying for. If you have gaps in your employment, think about other activities you did during these periods you could put in your resume. These might include study, volunteer work, or caring for family members…, February 2018 – November 2018, Study, TAFE NSW, During this period I took an online course to improve my digital skills and add to my qualifications. , March 2022 – January 2023, Office Administration Volunteer, During this time I did volunteer work for a local conservation group. I built my research, planning and teamwork skills and experience. , August 2021 – March 2022, I took time off my career to focus on personal and professional development. During this time I: found support through a mentor created a blog researched and attended industry forums took a Microsoft Office refresher course. , January 2015 – March 2016, I was seriously injured in an accident and took time off for recovery and rehabilitation. I’ve returned to full health and am ready to take on my next challenge., Other documents you might need, Employers will often ask you to send other documents with your resume. For example: a cover letter – visit Writing a job application and cover letter for tips a response to selection criteria – visit Responding to selection criteria for more.
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There are many resources that can help you find a job that suits you., Searching for jobs online, Many people start their job search online and this is where most employers advertise open positions. Some sites also have career advice and let you upload your resume. Some popular general job search sites: Workforce Australia Seek CareerOne Indeed Adzuna LinkedIn EthicalJobs Employability, Job sites for people with disability, There are also job search websites that cater to people with disability. These sites connect job seekers with employers who value inclusive workplaces. Check out Toozly who list jobs all around Australia, at small to large businesses. They’re free for job seekers to register and use. You can also set up a profile and upload your resume., Job search websites for certain industries, Some job search websites focus on jobs in specific industries. These include: Healthcare Australia – jobs for nurses, aged care staff and medical specialists Sportspeople – jobs in sport Harvest Trail – fruit picking and other seasonal jobs in harvest areas. WorkForce Australia hold webinars about job opportunities in a different industry each month. Visit their Jobs Showcase page to view…, Other places to look for jobs, Company websites, Many employers list jobs on their websites. They also let you give your details for future jobs. If you know what company you want to work for, consider getting in touch with them to introduce yourself. See Contacting possible employers for tips on how to get your message across., Notice boards, Employers often post part-time and casual jobs on community notice boards. Look out for these boards in shopping centres, supermarkets, community centres and even online community notice boards., Shop windows, Some smaller businesses advertise jobs in their shop windows. If you see an ad that interests you, take your resume to the shop., Newspapers, Some employers still advertise jobs in printed newspapers. Check for jobs under ‘Positions Vacant’ or look for the ‘Careers’ or ‘Employment’ lift-out. Joining an online social network Joining a network online can help you find out about jobs, training and industry news. LinkedIn is the most popular online network for job seekers and employers. You can set up a profile with your resume, join…, Jobs with the government, Do you like the idea of working for the government? If you do, a job with the Australian Public Service (APS) or your state or territory government might be right for you., Australian Public Service, The APS is made up of lots of different organisations. Each organisation deals with a specific area. Some examples are defence, science, education and training, transport, and health and community services. The APS employs people from many different backgrounds and with different levels of experience and qualifications. To look for work in the APS, search jobs on the APS jobs website ., Support for people with disability to work with the APS, The Australian Public Service supports people with disability to get jobs with the APS through the RecruitAbility scheme. The aim of RecruitAbility is to improve disability awareness among APS hiring managers. The scheme also aims to build the confidence and ability of applicants with disability to compete for APS jobs. Visit this guide to help people with disability find and apply for APS jobs…, State and territory government jobs websites, Search for state or territory public service jobs on the following websites: ACT Government NSW Government NT Government Queensland Government SA Government Tasmanian Government Victorian Government WA Government, Support services to find a job, Inclusive Employment Australia providers help people with disability, injuries or health conditions to find and keep a job. To connect with an Inclusive Employment Australia provider near you, go to Find an Inclusive Employment Australia provider . You can also talk to your Inclusive Employment Australia provider about the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) and how it can help you…
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Supported employment is a type of job for people with disability who need extra ongoing support while they are at work. Workplaces that offer these jobs are called supported employment services., Types of supported employment jobs, Supported employment services provide different types of work. This can include jobs in: recycling screen-printing gardening cleaning food services and more. They are usually not-for-profit organisations, giving people a chance to work and take part in the community., Getting a supported employment job, To work in supported employment, you may need to have a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan that includes funding for employment supports. If you’re already an NDIS participant, you can talk about your work goals and options with your NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator. For more information, visit Supports in employment on the NDIS website or call, 1800 800 110, . You can find out about supported employment services in your area on the BuyAbility website ., Wages in supported employment, Employers may pay supported employees using the Supported Wage System (SWS). When using the SWS, an assessor checks how long it takes you to do your usual tasks at work. For example, if you are a gardening worker, the assessor might check how long it takes you to mow a lawn. If it takes 20% more than the standard time, the employer will pay you 20% less than the usual award rate of pay. The…, Moving to open employment, Open employment means a job that is open to anyone. It is a job in the mainstream job market, where people with and without disability work together. If you work in supported employment and would like to get a job in open employment: you may be able to get help from an Inclusive Employment Australia provider you don't have to give up your supported employment job to get Inclusive Employment…
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Find an Inclusive Employment Australia provider Search tool Use the linked tool above to search for Service Providers
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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports people with disability with a range of supports and services. The NDIS can also help you with employment., Finding and keeping a job, The NDIS can help you in your job search, skills training and with support in your workplace. This can include: help to set work goals information about ways to find work – for example, through Inclusive Employment Australia information about community programs and volunteering in your area help to decide what training you might need help to build skills for keeping a job, for example catching…, Getting started, You need to be an NDIS participant to get work-related support through the NDIS. If you already take part in the NDIS, contact your Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner to discuss your work goals and adding employment support to your plan. Visit Finding, keeping and changing jobs on the NDIS website for more information. To find out if you are eligible for NDIS support, go to the NDIS website…
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The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) can cover the costs of workplace changes and equipment for eligible employees with disability. It can also fund Auslan interpreters and other workplace support services. JobAccess refunds the costs after you apply for the EAF and get approval. Workplace changes are also called ‘workplace modifications’, ‘workplace adjustments’ and ‘reasonable adjustments’. , Workplace modifications and equipment, The EAF can cover the cost of a range of changes in the workplace, including equipment and assistive technology. We’ve listed some examples below. Please note this isn’t a complete list. For more information on what costs the EAF can cover, download the full EAF guidelines or contact JobAccess at 1800 464 800 for free advice. , Software and communication technology, The EAF can fund assistive technology or software for work. Examples include: screen reading and speech recognition software braille software and devices, such as braille printers pagers visual alert systems for phones, doors and alarms voice recorders computer accessories, such as headsets and mouse alternatives assistive listening devices. The EAF doesn’t fund hearing aids, cochlear implants…, Changes to work vehicles, The EAF can cover the costs of changes to a work vehicle, if the vehicle is essential to doing the job. Vehicle modifications might include: seat belt extensions car seat cushions changes to foot and hand controls adding ramps and wheelchair docks swivel seats., Work equipment, The EAF can fund new equipment for an employee with disability to use in the workplace. It can also cover the cost of changes to existing equipment. Examples of work equipment include: talking cash registers talking tape measures desks and chairs that can be adjusted adaptive kitchen appliances, such as talking microwaves and kettle tippers automatic floor cleaning devices work platforms. The…, Physical changes to workplaces, Physical changes can include changes to a building or to a workspace to make the workplace more accessible for employees. For example: alternative lighting access ramps automatic doors and built-in alert systems changing the height of a workstation or the position of shelves devices to control noise. If you’re applying for funding for a physical change or building modification, you will need a…, Auslan interpreting services, The EAF can fund 3 categories of Auslan interpreting to support employees who are deaf or have a hearing impairment: Auslan Level 1 – for support to do work-related activities, including remote interpreting and real-time captioning Auslan Level 2 – for job interviews and job-seeking activities, such as site visits and information sessions Auslan Level 3 – for co-workers of a deaf employee to…, Workplace assistance and support services, You may be able to use the EAF to cover the cost of assistance and support services at work. This includes: training or technical support to help a person with disability learn to use modifications and equipment disability, deafness and mental health awareness training in workplaces that employ someone with disability specialised support and training for people with mental health conditions or…, Funding caps and conditions, Some items, such as assistive technology and work equipment, are funded on a case-by-case basis through the EAF. Other items and services have a cap on the amount of funding you can get. This includes:, Workplace modifications and equipment, – capped at $67,339.10, Auslan Level 1 interpreting for work-related activities, – capped at $13,647.40 in a 12-month period, Auslan Level 2 interpreting for job interviews and related activities, – no funding cap, Auslan Level 3 training for co-workers to complete the nationally recognised Certificate II in Auslan, – capped at $959.49 for each person taking the course, Specialised support and training for people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities, – capped at $1,682.77 for each employee taking the training, Awareness training for workplaces that employ a person with disability, – capped at $1,682.77 for each employee with disability in a 12-month period. For all the details, terms and conditions, download the full EAF guidelines . You can also get in touch with one of our JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 or through our online enquiry form .
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Many job advertisements will list some requirements you need to write responses to. These can be called ‘selection criteria’, ‘prerequisites’ or ‘general requirements’., What are selection criteria?, Selection criteria relate to the qualifications or knowledge you need to get the job. For example, the criteria might ask if you have: a qualification, such as a certificate or degree knowledge of certain software a licence to drive a certain kind of vehicle, such as a truck. The criteria might ask you to show your abilities. For example, your ability to: meet deadlines and prioritise tasks…, Essential and desirable criteria, In many job advertisements, the selection criteria are broken into ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’ qualities. Essential qualities are the ones you must have for the job. Desirable qualities are ones you don’t need to have, but may give you a better chance of getting the job. Even if you think you don’t have some of the desirable qualities, you can still apply for the job., Tips for writing a good response, Do some research, Research the job requirements before you start your response. If there is anything you’re not sure about, you can contact the employer to ask for more information., Keep it clear and to the point, Your response should be focused and clear. If the job advertisement gives a word limit, make sure you stick to it. For example, an employer may ask for no more than 100 or 200 words for each criteria. If there is no limit, try to write no more than two or three paragraphs for each criteria response., Use the STAR method, For each criteria: give a specific example of what you did give details of how well you did it include what happened because of your action. You can use the STAR method to do this. STAR stands for situation, task, action, result: Situation – Set the scene for your example, such as where you were working and when it happened. Task – Describe the task or problem you worked on. Action – Explain what…, Talking about your disability in a response, It is your choice whether to mention your disability in your job application. If you choose to mention it, you might do so as part of a response to one of the selection criteria. This can be an opportunity to show your unique strengths and skills. Here is an example response to a selection criteria 'Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and adapt to change': In my receptionist role I was…, Final checks, Always review and edit your application so you are presenting the most professional version of yourself., Make sure you:, format your document the way the job advertisement asks check over your responses ask a friend, family member or Inclusive Employment Australia provider to also check for any spelling mistakes or other errors save your responses. You might need to refer to them at the interview for the job. Or you might be able to use them for future job applications.
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You might contact an employer you’d like to work for to ask if they have jobs available or to get more information about a job., Writing to an employer, Whether you're writing to apply for a job or asking about future work, you want the employer to notice you. A good email or letter: has a clear purpose uses straightforward language and short sentences is clearly set out., Asking if they have any jobs available, When you write to an employer to ask if they have jobs available: say straight away that you’re looking for work say why you would like to work for their business show that you already know some things about their business or the industry they work in include information about your skills, qualities and experience – but keep it short say why you would be a valuable employee for their business. If…, Asking for more information about a job, If you want to contact an employer to get more information about a job: say which job you’re asking about. Use the job name and the reference number, if there is one in the job advertisement ask your question. If you have more than one question, you could put them in a list., Tips for writing a formal letter, You might choose to write a formal letter rather than an email when: you’re writing a cover letter with a job application you’re writing to accept or say no to a job offer an employer has asked you to write about why you want the job. It’s rare that you need to post a letter to an employer, but you will need to type it. You can then attach it to an email or print it out if needed. The language in…, Setting out your letter, The, start, of your letter should include: your name and address the date when you’re writing the name of the person you are writing to the position title of the person you are writing to (You can usually find out these details by phoning the business and asking who you should write to.) the name of the business the postal address of the business a greeting such as ‘Dear Ms/Mr…’. The, main part, of the letter should include three or four paragraphs. These should cover things like your experience and why you want to work for them. At the, end, of the letter, include: what you would like the person to do after reading your letter. For example, you could write: Thank you for considering my interest in working for your organisation. I look forward to hearing from you. a sign-off such as ‘Yours sincerely’, followed by your name and signature. You can find out more about writing a letter with an application at Writing a job application and…, Before you hit send, Before you send your letter, have someone else read over it. They might pick up small errors or suggest how to improve it., Phoning an employer, If you tend to get anxious or nervous calling people you don’t know, it can help to prepare notes and set out a plan before calling an employer., Before making your call, Find out as much as you can about the business you’re calling. Write down the questions you will ask or the information you need to give. If you’re calling to ask if they have jobs available, write a list of your skills, qualities and experience. Think about what you’ll say if you reach voicemail. Prepare a short message. Have everything you need ready, such as: your notes a blank notepad and pen…, During your call, Say your name and the name of the person you would like to speak to. If you don’t know their name, ask to speak to the manager or the person responsible for staffing or recruitment. Say why you’re calling, for example you’re looking for work or you’re calling for more information about an advertised job. Remember that it is okay to ask the person to slow down or repeat something you’ve missed.…, If things get tricky during the call, If you begin to feel nervous during the call, take some deep breaths. You can be quiet for a moment to gather your thoughts. If you still feel nervous it’s okay to ask if you can phone back at another time. This will allow you to get together the information you need., After your call, As soon as you get off the phone, make notes about the conversation. Write down the things you need to do and when you need to do them., Calling to ask if they have jobs available, There are some extra things to note when you are calling to ask an employer if they have jobs available. During your call: say why you would like to work for their business. This is a chance to show that you already know some things about their business or the industry they work in talk about how your skills, qualities and experience suit their type of business say why you would be a valuable…, Getting help, If you have an Inclusive Employment Australia provider, talk to them about any help you might need to contact an employer. If you are an NDIS participant, you can also talk to your NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator about employment supports. If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the free National Relay Service (NRS) to help you make phone or video calls.
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