Work Independently with Support

You can access our Mainstream Employment service if you:

• Have an intellectual disability
• Are an NDIS participant with employment supports in your plan
• Are ready to work in a regular business with light or occasional support
• Want to build skills, confidence and independence through paid work

Our team will get to know your goals, provide one-on-one coaching and guide you to succeed in real workplaces.

Supported Hosted Employment is a great stepping stone if you are not quite ready to work completely independently yet. In that model, Endeavour Foundation is your employer, and you work in a business with daily support.

In Mainstream Employment, you are employed directly by the business, and we stay in touch to offer coaching or guidance when you need it.

Both options help people with disability to find work with inclusive employers, but they are funded in different ways.

Mainstream Employment is part of Endeavour Foundation’s NDIS supports. It is for people who have NDIS funding and are ready to work independently in regular businesses with occasional support.

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is a federally funded national program that connects people with disability to inclusive employers across Australia. It is open to people with or without NDIS funding. IEA focuses on job matching, workplace readiness and ongoing support through a national partner network.

If you are unsure which pathway is right for you, our team can help you choose the best option based on your goals and funding situation.

Yes. If you already have an NDIS plan, you can keep using your supports while taking part in the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program.

Your NDIS funding can still be used for things like travel training, skill building or personal supports that help build your confidence and independence at work.

The IEA program itself is federally funded, so you do not need to use your NDIS funding for job matching or employer support.

If you like the kind of support offered through NDIS-funded Mainstream Employment but would prefer to work through the IEA program, we can help you explore options that combine the best of both.

Our team will guide you with the right balance of employment support and funding to suit your goals.

That is okay. You can still talk to us to explore your options. We can:

• Help you apply for NDIS employment supports, or
• Connect you to Inclusive Employment Australia if you want to start working sooner

Either way, we will guide you to the pathway that fits your goals.

You can use your NDIS plan to access job readiness and transition supports through Endeavour Foundation. This includes things like:

• Career development and goal planning
• Building confidence and work skills
• Interview and workplace preparation

If you have unspent funding in your NDIS plan, you can often use it for employment supports straight away. There is no need to wait for your next plan review.

Your employer pays your wages directly once you start working.

If you do not yet have employment supports in your plan, our team can guide you on how to include them.

If you do not have NDIS funding, you can still explore job opportunities through Inclusive Employment Australia.

We partner with inclusive employers in many industries, including:

• Retail, hospitality and logistics
• Office and administration
• Manufacturing and production
• Aged care and childcare

Each job is matched to your interests, skills and career goals so you can build experience and confidence in a workplace that suits you.

Every person’s journey is different. Some people start working within weeks, while others take more time to prepare or complete training or simply wait for the right opportunity.

We will keep you updated at every step and make sure you feel confident and ready when the right job becomes available.

As Australia’s largest employer of people with intellectual disability, we understand what works. When you are a Mainstream Employee with Endeavour Foundation, you will receive:

• Support to identify and set career goals
• Help preparing for work, including résumé writing, interview practice and workplace visits
• Connections to inclusive employers across a range of industries and locations
• Opportunities to build confidence through training and short courses
• Occasional check-ins to provide any necessary support

We only partner with inclusive employers who provide safe and supportive workplaces. Your employer and job coach will make sure you have the right adjustments and support, such as:

• Step-by-step guidance
• Tasks matched to your pace
• Assistive technology or ergonomic tools
• Flexible hours or extra breaks

All employer partners undergo comprehensive assessments with Endeavour Foundation.

Workplaces also complete our Employer Ready Program, covering key areas like disability awareness, inclusion and workplace safety. This program guides employers in creating accessible, inclusive environments and helps them understand their responsibilities in supporting employees with disabilities.

Additional resources covering NDIS, supporting learning and HR practices are also made available to ensure ongoing success.

Not necessarily. Many people keep part of their Disability Support Pension (DSP) while working, depending on income and hours. We can help you understand how this works.

If your job is not working out, that is okay. We will work together with you and your employer to understand why. We will see what can be adjusted or improved and explore other opportunities if needed until we find the right fit for you.

Families, carers and Support Coordinators are important partners in your journey. With your consent, we can share updates, answer questions and involve them in meetings and other job-planning activities.

Support Coordinators can also refer people directly by contacting us through our referrer enquiry form or calling 1800 112 112.

Endeavour Foundation has more than 70 years of experience supporting people with intellectual disability. We are one of Australia’s largest inclusive employers, partnering with trusted businesses that value diversity.

Our goal is simple: to help you find rewarding work, grow your career and achieve greater independence.

Talk to us today to see how Mainstream Employment could work for you.

Whether you are a jobseeker or a referrer, getting started is easy.

Simply fill out our online enquiry form or call 1800 112 112 to speak with our team.

We will take the time to understand your goals, check eligibility and connect you with a local Career Development Advisor who will guide you through every step.