Inclusive Employment

Looking for a job where you can develop your skills, earn an income, and make a real contribution as part of the community?

At Willing & Able we believe everyone deserves that opportunity.

We provide supported employment opportunities for people with disability, including people with intellectual disability, neurodiversity, autism, acquired brain injury, and other disabilities. Through our growing range of commercial social enterprises, we create real jobs where people can develop confidence, independence, and practical workplace skills while making a valuable contribution.

Whether you are looking for your first job, transitioning from school, seeking a new opportunity, or looking to build your skills for future employment, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

What is Supported Employment?

Supported employment provides people with disability the opportunity to undertake meaningful, paid work in a supportive and inclusive workplace.

At Willing & Able, supported employees work alongside experienced supervisors and mentors in real businesses that produce quality products and services for customers in the Port Macquarie Hastings region and beyond.

Every employee is encouraged to develop at their own pace while gaining practical workplace experience, increasing their independence and achieving their individual employment and life goals.

Supported employment offers many benefits, including:

Earning an income through meaningful work

Developing practical workplace skills

Developing routines and work readiness

Building confidence and independence

Learning teamwork and communication skills

Building friendships and social connections

Exploring future career pathways

Contributing to the local community

Our focus is not simply on providing a job—we aim to create opportunities for lifelong personal and professional growth.

Employment Opportunities

Willing & Able operates a diverse range of commercial social enterprises that provide supported employment opportunities across a variety of industries.

Depending on availability and individual interests, employees may have opportunities to work in areas such as:

Furniture upcycling and restoration

Woodworking

Commercial laundry services

Retail operations

Hospitality and customer service

Real estate sign installations

Car washing

Packaging and assembly

Administration and office support

As our organisation continues to grow, so do the opportunities for employees to develop new skills, experience different industries, and pursue new career pathways.

Employment for People with Intellectual Disability

At Willing & Able, we believe disability should never be a barrier to meaningful employment. People with intellectual disability have valuable skills, talents and abilities that deserve to be recognised.

Our workplaces are designed to provide the right balance of support, encouragement, and challenge so that every employee can develop confidence while contributing to the success of the business.

We understand that every person is different. That is why we work with each employee to identify their strengths, interests, and goals, providing individual support that enables them to achieve their potential.

Why Choose Willing & Able?

Choosing the right supported employment provider is an important decision.

For over fifty years, Willing & Able has been creating genuine employment opportunities for people with disability while operating successful commercial businesses that deliver quality products and services to our customers.

When you join Willing & Able, you become part of an organisation that believes everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Our commitment includes:

Meaningful paid employment

Safe and supportive workplaces

Experienced supervisors and mentors

Individual skill development

Career pathways and personal growth opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Real commercial businesses with real customers

Opportunities to learn new skills across different business areas

A place to develop friendships

Building Skills for the Future

Employment is about much more than earning an income.

Work with Willing and Able provides opportunities to develop confidence, independence, communication skills, and life skills that extend well beyond the workplace.

Employees may develop skills including:

Customer service

Teamwork

Time management

Workplace communication

Quality standards

Safe work practices

Problem solving

Organisation

Equipment operation (where appropriate)

Leadership and mentoring skills

These skills can create new opportunities for future employment and greater independence.

Families, Carers, and Support Coordinators

Families and support networks play an important role in helping people find meaningful employment.

We work closely with families, carers, guardians, support coordinators, and other professionals to ensure each employee receives the support they need while maintaining choice, dignity,= and independence.

If you are supporting someone looking for disability employment, we welcome the opportunity to discuss how Willing & Able may be able to help.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Employment

We believe an inclusive workforce benefits everyone.

People with disability bring unique strengths, perspectives, reliability, and commitment to the workplace. Our businesses demonstrate every day that inclusive employment delivers positive outcomes for employees, customers, the business itself, and the broader community.

For the public, every purchase made from one of our businesses helps create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability.

Together, we are building stronger communities through meaningful work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for supported employment?

We welcome enquiries from people with disability who are interested in meaningful employment opportunities. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the role and available positions.

Do I need previous work experience?

No. Many employees begin with little or no previous work experience, including some straight from school. We provide support, encouragement, and opportunities to develop workplace skills.

What types of work are available?

Opportunities vary across our commercial social enterprises and include retail, furniture restoration, woodworking, hospitality, commercial laundry, production, administration, and other business operations.

Will I be paid?

Yes, all our supported employees are paid under the government’s Supported Wage System.

Can I visit before applying?

Yes. We encourage prospective employees, families, and support coordinators to contact us to arrange a visit, learn more about our workplaces, and explore the opportunities to see what might be the best fit.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are looking for employment for people with disability, including supported employment, in the Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast region, we'd love to hear from you.

Whether you are a prospective employee, family member, carer, support coordinator or referring organisation, our team is happy to answer your questions and help you explore the opportunities available at Willing & Able.

Contact us today to learn more about building a rewarding future through meaningful employment.