We dive into the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program’s two distinct service streams and how each can help you reach your employment goals.

Endeavour Foundation has been awarded the Inclusive Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) contract.

What does this mean for you?

It means we are committed to understanding your individual circumstances, so you receive the employment support you need.

Because support works best when it meets you where you are.

Launching on 1 November 2025, IEA will replace the current Disability Employment Services (DES) program and offer a more personalised and flexible approach to employment support.

At the core of this model are two distinct streams: ‘intensive’ and ‘flexible’.

This article explains the difference between the pair, who they are for and how they help deliver better outcomes for people with disability.

Why Two Streams?

Under the previous DES model, participants often received similar services regardless of their unique needs.

IEA changes this by tailoring the level of support to each person’s capacity, situation and goals. This approach aims to:

• Provide more individualised support
• Ensure participants are not over or under-serviced
• Help people move towards employment at the right pace

What Is the Intensive Service?

The intensive service is designed for participants who are actively preparing for or looking for work. These individuals:

• Are ready to participate in structured pre-employment activities
• May benefit from both vocational support (e.g., training and job applications) and non-vocational support (e.g., confidence building and life skills)
• Are expected to begin in this stream unless otherwise assessed

This service includes two phases:

1. Work Preparation Phase

Supports participants in building skills and addressing barriers that may prevent them from entering the workforce.

2. Job Search Phase

Focuses on helping participants actively apply for jobs and secure employment, with tailored guidance throughout the process.

What Is the Flexible Service?

The flexible service is for participants who cannot engage with more structured support right now. This may include people who:

• Have personal, health or family circumstances that limit their capacity
• Are meeting participation requirements through other approved activities
• Are volunteering or temporarily exempt but still want to stay connected

This stream offers lighter-touch support and ongoing engagement while respecting a person’s current situation. It ensures no one loses connection with employment services, even if they are not job-ready just yet.

Who Decides Which Stream Is Right?

The decision is based on:

• A participant’s intake assessment
• Their ability to participate in activities
• Personal goals and current barriers

Importantly, participants are not locked into one stream. If circumstances change, support can be adjusted accordingly.

Why This Matters

The introduction of service streams recognises that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in employment support.

Whether someone is ready to enter the workforce or just starting to think about their future, IEA provides options that align with where they are today.

For providers, this means delivering more targeted services. For participants, it means being seen, heard and supported in the right way.

Not Sure Where You Fit? You Are Not Alone

Understanding the new IEA streams can feel overwhelming, especially if you are currently receiving DES support or exploring employment for the first time.

Our inclusive employment team is here to help you feel confident about what is ahead.

We will talk you through how the intake process works, what each stream offers and what kind of support best suits your needs – whether you are ready to start job searching or just thinking about next steps.

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.