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Want to work, earn your own money and build new skills? Learn how supported employment with NDIS funding works and explore employment opportunities with Endeavour Foundation.
If you want to work, there is more than one way to get started.
You might want to earn your own money, learn new skills, meet people or become more independent.
You might already know what kind of work you would like to do. Or you may still be working out what interests you and what support could help you succeed.
Supported employment gives people with intellectual disability the opportunity to have a paid job while receiving support at work.
At Endeavour Foundation, employees receiving support work as part of a team across a range of businesses and industries, delivering products and services for Australian businesses and households.
Depending on the location, this can include packing and production, timber manufacturing and other types of work.
There are currently supported employment opportunities available across parts of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Whether you are looking for your first job, want to build your skills or are ready for something new, exploring your options can help you find a pathway that feels right for you.
What You Will Learn
In this guide, we explain:
- what supported employment is and how it works
- the types of jobs and workplaces you could explore
- how supported employment can help you earn, learn and connect with others
- where current employment opportunities are available
- how supported employment can fit with other employment pathways
- how to take the next step if you are interested in working with Endeavour Foundation.
What Is Supported Employment and How Does It Work?
Supported employment is paid work for people with intellectual disability who may benefit from additional support in the workplace.
At Endeavour Foundation, many employees who receive support work at our social enterprises.
These are workplaces that provide products and services to Australian businesses and households.
Employees can develop practical workplace skills while receiving support that considers their individual goals, strengths and the way they learn.
The support you need may be different from the support someone else needs.
You might need help learning a new task, understanding workplace routines or building confidence with different responsibilities.
As your skills and confidence grow, your goals at work may grow too.
What Kind of Work Could I Do?
The work available depends on the location and the opportunities available at the time.
Across Endeavour Foundation workplaces, employees contribute to areas including packing and assembly, recycling, timber products and other commercial services.
For example, a Packing Assistant might help prepare, pack or assemble products as part of a team.
A Timber Assistant might learn practical tasks involved in producing timber products for customers.
You can learn new tasks and skills as you settle into your role. Workplace support can help you understand your responsibilities and build confidence over time.
Want to See What Supported Employment Can Look Like?
Meet employees at our Mt Druitt workplace in New South Wales and hear about their experiences of work, learning new skills and being part of a team.
More Than a Job: Earn, Learn and Connect
People work for different reasons.
For some people, earning their own money can mean having more choice and independence.
For David, one of our Mt Druitt employees, earning his own money is helping him save towards moving out of his parents' home.
Work can also be a place to learn and grow.
Ben, who also works at Mt Druitt, says:
“I like the challenges, like to push myself to learn new things and see what I'm actually capable of.”
Ben's story shows what’s possible once you’re given the chance to try.
“You don't know unless you give it a try.”
Work can also be about connection.
Being part of a workplace can mean meeting people, contributing to a team and feeling that you belong.
There is no single definition of what a successful employment journey should look like.
What matters is what you want to achieve through work.
Where Are Supported Employment Opportunities Available?
Endeavour Foundation has supported employment workplaces across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
The jobs available can change as vacancies are filled and new opportunities become available.
Supported employment opportunities are available across a range of Endeavour Foundation workplaces.
The types of jobs and locations available can change over time, so you can explore our current employment opportunities to see what is available near you.
Can Supported Employment Be Part of a Longer Employment Journey?
Yes. Your employment goals do not have to stay the same.
You might begin by building skills and confidence in a supported workplace and later decide that you would like to explore another type of employment.
Endeavour Foundation offers different employment pathways depending on your goals, support needs, eligibility and location.
Some employees choose to receive support through Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), an Australian Government employment program.
Eligible people can work at an Endeavour Foundation workplace through IEA as they prepare for work with a local employer.
In Queensland and Victoria, some people may be able to work in Supported Employment while also participating in IEA and working towards employment with a local employer.
This can give you the flexibility to keep earning and building workplace experience while exploring where you would like your employment journey to take you next.
How Do I Know if Supported Employment Could Suit Me?
You can start by thinking about what you would like from a job. You might think about:
- what kind of work interests you
- what you are good at or would like to learn
- what support helps you do your best
- how many hours you would like to work
- where you can travel to for work
- what you would like to achieve through having a job.
You can also involve your family, Support Coordinator or other people you trust in these conversations if you would like their support.
The aim is to find an employment pathway that considers your strengths, interests, goals and support needs.
75 Years of Creating Opportunities Through Work
Endeavour Foundation has worked alongside people with intellectual disability for 75 years.
Today, we are Australia's largest employer of people with intellectual disability and continue to create opportunities for people to learn, work and contribute to workplaces and communities.
Ready to Start Your Employment Journey?
A good place to start is by thinking about the kind of work you would like to explore.
Tell us what you are interested in, what you would like to achieve and what support you might need at work.
Our team can help you understand the employment pathways and current opportunities that may be available to you.
Common Questions About Supported Employment
What is supported employment?
Supported employment is paid work for people with intellectual disability who may benefit from additional support in the workplace.
At Endeavour Foundation, supported employees can build practical workplace skills, earn an income and receive support based on their goals, strengths and individual needs.
How does supported employment work?
Employees who receive support have a job and assistance to help them learn and carry out their role.
The type of support will depend on the person, their job and their individual needs.
What kinds of supported employment jobs are available?
Jobs vary by workplace and location.
At Endeavour Foundation, work can include areas such as packing and assembly, timber products, recycling and other commercial services. Current vacancies can change over time.
Can supported employment help me learn new skills?
Yes. Supported employment can provide opportunities to learn workplace tasks, build experience and take on more as you’re ready.
The skills you develop will depend on your role and your own employment goals.
Can I move from supported employment to another type of work?
Your employment pathway can change as your skills, confidence and goals develop.
Depending on your circumstances and location, you may choose to explore other pathways, including employment with a local employer.
How can I find supported employment opportunities near me?
You can explore Endeavour Foundation's current employment opportunities or contact our team to talk about the types of work you are interested in and what may be available in your area.
