Supporting people with significant barriers to employment
At Ability Works Australia, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to secure a job. A job with us is more than just income. It is a chance to create a circle of friends, have a sense of belonging, with something to look forward to each day – all within a structured and supportive environment.
Download our Employee Statement [PDF]
Ability Works is an inclusive and diverse social enterprise. We employ people with all kinds of experiences and backgrounds.
Ability Works tailors work opportunities across a wide range of work activities and products so our people get to experience different jobs and build their skills. On-the-job support includes innovative machinery and tool configuration, process aids and providing specialised training to address the diverse needs and safety requirements of everyone we employ. We also focus our resources on supporting the families and carers of our team.
We employ people who live with physical and intellectual disability (including many who have complex support needs).
As well as people without a disability, people from Indigenous and Torres Strait Island backgrounds, migrants for whom English is an additional language, refugees, women returning to the workforce, young people 16-25 years who are finding it challenging to get their first job and people over age 50 having difficulty getting a job.
Attitude is as important as ability. This is why we consider someone’s love for learning and their desire to keep improving.
We value innovative ideas and appreciate everyone’s unique qualities. We look for people who can get to work and have a ‘can do’ attitude!
Ability Works is a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme ( NDIS ) provider and we can assist with helping those who wish to receive funding for employment.
Ability Works and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) have been employment partners since 2019. Ability Works currently provides employment for a number of people who been injured in road accidents.
Annual Individual Employment Plans are agreed on and maintained to ensure workplace goals are achieved.
Through a strong partnership with Box Hill Institute, Ability Works offers a selection of onsite vocational courses to help build work related skills and confidence.
Staff are able to nominate for a variety of courses which are facilitated at Ability Works by qualified Box Hill Institute educators typically over a 10 week semester.
We are constantly assessing course suitability and strive to ensure our training and further education opportunities are relevant and helpful towards staff who may be transitioning to mainstream employment.
Our employees receive technical skills training using a range of methods including cue cards, jigs and photographs.
We are committed to providing training in appropriate workplace practices, alongside on-going supervision and support during work activities. Associated practices include making sure our staff know how to correctly operate equipment that has been customised for particular products.
The machinery in our Wire Fabrication Facility has been modified, so that if you have a disability, you will have no challenges working on the equipment.
Adaptations have been made to ensure wheelchair accessibility, support you if you are blind or have impaired vision, or if you only have the use of one limb, you are able to work safely and not injure yourself.
As a successful social enterprise, Ability Works’ delivers a wide range of services, from supporting people with significant barriers to employment, to tailoring solutions for customers in diverse industries. The following questions help explain what we do and achieve for our customers and our staff.
Ruby is a valuable Team Leader at Ability Works.
“Ability Works is great at breaking jobs down, being resourceful (making things accessible) and being understanding of others. My advice to those with disabilities that want to gain employment is to never give up, you are a valued member of society. Inclusivity is a state of mind, it really isn’t that hard to do, yet most people overlook being inclusive. AWA embodies being inclusive for all.“
Jimmy has been working at Ability Works for four years.
“Ability Works has provided me with a community that respects and understands me. I feel valued and validated while I am here. They’ve helped me with increasing my skills as well as my active listening and communication skills. I am grateful to the Ability Works team for providing a caring and welcoming environment. I am excited to continue to work at Ability Works for years to come to help develop my skills and build lasting friendships.”
Mark has progressed at Ability Works from Employee to Team Leader, and now Sales Support Coordinator.
“I decided to work at Ability Works because they could offer me a unique opportunity for supported work, tailored to my needs. Now that I work here, I love the friendly environment and the people I work with, as well as the innovative ways Ability Works can break down jobs into easily achievable tasks and continue to support their employees. Something that surprised me about Ability Works is that I met my fiancé here, I never expected to meet the love of my life at work.”
Carolyn has been working at Ability Works for almost four years.
“I enjoy working at Ability Works, because it is a comfortable place for both myself, and my son, who also has a disability. I enjoy feeling as though I have a purpose and meeting new people rather than sitting at home. Inclusivity is very important. Having everyone included is fantastic, no matter what their disability is, everyone has different skills to showcase. Ability Works allows people to use and develop on these skills. I am reaching the end of my working life, but I still love coming to AWA to socialise and be a part of a community.”
Giulio has been working at Ability Works for five years.
“I love working at Ability Works because it’s such a positive environment! I have made some great friends here and the staff are the best! They are so easy to get along with, they understand that some people might need extra help and they guide you through to achieving your goals, both short and long term. I like that working here is a group effort, we all work together as a team, and as friends, and it’s not what your disabilities are, it’s what your abilities are.”
