Talk to a Specialist: What to Expect from Your First Conversation with an IEA Provider

Curious about inclusive hiring but not sure where to start? Your first conversation with an Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) provider is easier than you think.

When it comes to inclusive employment, you don’t need to have a job ready to go.

You don’t need to understand funding or workplace adjustments.

All you need is a willingness to explore what inclusive employment could look like in your business.

Many employers hesitate to engage with disability employment support because they assume the process will be complex or time-consuming. But Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is designed to make inclusive hiring simple, practical and business-friendly. It starts with a conversation.

In this article, we’ll show you exactly what to expect from your first meeting with an IEA provider and how that step can lead to better recruitment outcomes, access to wage subsidies and stronger teams through supported, work-ready candidates.

What Is an IEA Provider?

IEA providers are registered organisations that support both jobseekers and employers.

Their role is to help businesses connect with people with disability through inclusive recruitment strategies that are structured, low-risk and fully supported. They work with your business to:

• Identify roles suited to inclusive hiring
• Match you with supported, work-ready candidates
• Help you access wage subsidies and funding
• Guide onboarding and provide practical workplace advice
• Deliver post-placement coaching to support long-term success

The goal is to make inclusive employment a seamless part of your workforce strategy.

What Happens in the First Conversation?

Your first conversation with an IEA provider is informal and tailored to your business. It is simply a discovery call, not a commitment.

Most meetings are 30-45 minutes long and focus on listening, answering questions and exploring opportunities that fit your needs. Here’s what is typically covered:

1. An Overview of Your Business

   You’ll be asked about your operations, locations, team structure and the types of roles you hire for. This helps the provider understand where inclusive employment could add value and what type of support might be required.

2. Your Experience and Curiosity

   Whether you have never hired someone with disability before or you are looking to improve on past experiences, the conversation will focus on what matters to you. You can ask about how support works, what candidates are available or how to approach a specific vacancy.

3. The Support Available to You

   IEA providers do more than referrals. They will explain the full range of support available, including assistance with job design, onboarding, workplace modifications, post-placement coaching and access to wage subsidies.

4. Next Steps That Suit Your Pace

   There is no pressure to commit. If you are ready to move forward, the provider may suggest reviewing a current vacancy, visiting your worksite or introducing a candidate profile. If you need time, they can provide resources and follow up when you are ready.

What You Don’t Need to Worry About

You do not need to:

• Have a formal job description
• Know how to access funding
• Commit to hiring on the spot
• Change your business overnight

This first conversation is about education and alignment. It is designed to help you understand how inclusive hiring can fit into your business, not to sell you a program.

How Endeavour Foundation Supports Employers at Every Stage

At Endeavour Foundation, we understand that inclusive employment is new territory for many employers. That is why we keep the process practical, flexible and focused on your goals.

We are a registered IEA provider with national reach and more than 70 years’ experience supporting people with disability and working closely with employers.

Here is what you can expect from us:

• Dedicated employer engagement

  You will be supported by specialists who understand workforce planning, commercial timelines and what successful inclusive hiring looks like in real workplaces.

• Flexible options to start small

  Whether you are ready to hire or want to trial inclusive employment through work experience or a short-term placement, we will work at a pace that fits your business.

• End-to-end guidance

  From the initial conversation through to placement and retention, we provide structured, proactive support. This includes assistance with job design, onboarding, adjustments, training and post-placement coaching.

Take the First Step Towards Inclusive Hiring

Inclusive hiring through Inclusive Employment Australia is not about ticking a box. It is about strengthening your workforce with skilled, motivated and supported candidates – with expert guidance to make it work.

Whether you are looking to reduce turnover, improve recruitment outcomes or build a more inclusive team, the first step is simple. It starts with a conversation.

Register your interest in Endeavour Foundation below to receive important updates, practical tips and resources to help you prepare for the transition to Inclusive Employment Australia, or click here to learn more.