Hiring Under IEA: What’s Changing?

We reveal what employers need to know about the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program.

Finding the right candidate is hard enough. Finding the right support shouldn't be.

As a specialist provider awarded the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) contract, we’re here to help employers navigate this shift to a new individualised employment model with confidence and clarity.

As the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) model replaces Disability Employment Services (DES) from 1 November 2025, employers will gain access to a more flexible and responsive system that better matches jobseekers to real business needs.

If you’re wondering how the transition will affect recruitment, onboarding and inclusive hiring, here’s what you need to know.

A New Employment Support Model

At the heart of IEA is a redesigned service structure built around two levels of pre-employment support:

• Intensive service: For participants who are ready to actively engage in work preparation and job search activities
• Flexible service: For those with personal, health or family-related barriers who need adaptable support

This structure gives providers more room to tailor their approach, helping employers connect with candidates who are genuinely work-ready and well-supported.

Removal of the Two-Year Limit

IEA removes the current two-year limit on support. Instead, participants can receive assistance for as long as needed. For employers, this means greater stability, improved retention and stronger long-term outcomes. It also allows for ongoing workplace adjustments and communication as job needs evolve.

Expanded Eligibility

IEA opens the door to a broader and more diverse talent pool. Individuals are now eligible if they:

• Have a diagnosed disability, injury or health condition
• Are of legal working age and below Age Pension age
• Are an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa
• Are not already working at or above their assessed work capacity

People who are not receiving income support payments or are volunteering while exempt from participation requirements can also access services.

This expanded eligibility offers more opportunity for employers to engage skilled candidates who may have previously fallen outside traditional systems.

New Provider Structure

IEA introduces two types of providers:

• All-cohort providers: Who offer services to a broad range of people with disability
• Specific-cohort providers: Who support particular groups such as people with intellectual disability or autistic, First Nations or young people

This means employers can expect a better candidate match, guided by providers with relevant knowledge, networks and experience in supporting diverse cohorts.

We are a specific-cohort provider delivering employment supports to an intellectual disability cohort. 

Stronger Employer Support

Under IEA, Endeavour Foundation will offer:

• Help with recruitment, onboarding and retention
• Advice and support with workplace adjustments
• Ongoing post-placement support tailored to each workplace
• Access to wage subsidies (up to $10,000 in some cases) to help de-risk hiring

Employers will work closely with Career Development Advisors and Workplace Support Specialists to ensure both the candidate and the business are set up for success.

When Does the Change Happen?

• Now through October 2025: DES continues while providers prepare for the transition
• 1 November 2025: The IEA contract officially begins
• From 1 November 2025: New providers begin working with participants and employers across Australia

Planning for the IEA Rollout?

The transition to Inclusive Employment Australia is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to get ahead.

Whether you're already hiring inclusively or exploring it for the first time, our team can help you understand what IEA means for your business.

From navigating wage subsidies to preparing your workplace for a more inclusive future, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

As a specialist provider delivering IEA services, we can also help connect you with the right candidates – people who are ready, supported and aligned with your workplace needs from day one.

Be ready when IEA launches.

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.