Disability Employment Services in Townsville: NDIS-Funded Job Support and Local Opportunities

Finding meaningful employment shouldn’t be an obstacle course. Yet for many people living with disability in Townsville, the path to workforce participation feels precisely that—a maze of acronyms, eligibility criteria, and unanswered questions about what support truly exists. If you’re searching for disability employment services in Townsville, or wondering how NDIS funding can unlock job opportunities in North Queensland’s second-largest city, you’re asking the right questions at exactly the right time.

With Townsville’s economy contributing $17.4 billion annually and employing over 101,000 people across diverse industries, the opportunities are real. The challenge lies in connecting people with disability to these opportunities through the right pathways, support services, and workplace adjustments. In 2026, significant reforms to Australia’s disability employment system—including the introduction of Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)—are reshaping what’s possible for job seekers with disability in regional Queensland.

What Are the Main Disability Employment Pathways Available in Townsville?

Understanding your options begins with recognising that disability employment support in Australia operates through multiple pathways, each designed for different circumstances and levels of work readiness.

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) replaced the previous Disability Employment Services (DES) program in November 2025, bringing substantial improvements. This government-funded service now supports people with 0-7 hours per week work capacity—previously, you needed capacity for 8-30 hours to access help. The program removed the restrictive two-year time limit that previously left many participants without ongoing support once their initial placement period ended. For people with disability requiring extended workplace support, this change represents a fundamental shift toward genuine, sustainable employment outcomes.

IEA operates through both specialist providers (working with specific disability cohorts based on demonstrated expertise) and generalist providers (supporting all eligible participants). In Townsville, major providers include APM at 280 Flinders Street, MAX Solutions at 358 Flinders Street, and atWork Australia operating regionally. These organisations offer job preparation support, resume assistance, interview skills training, job matching with local employers, and critically, ongoing workplace support after placement.

NDIS Employment Support functions differently and often works alongside IEA services. Through the “Finding and Keeping a Job” (FAKAJ) capacity-building category, NDIS participants can access funding for vocational activities, work experience, on-the-job training, and skills development. This funding is flexible and individualised, responding to your specific barriers and goals rather than fitting you into a predetermined programme structure.

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) specifically targets young people aged 16-22 transitioning from school to employment. With approximately $22,000 annual funding for up to two years, SLES operates on a flexible, block-payment model without set hour limits. Importantly, SLES serves those not yet job-ready—if you cannot work eight hours per week immediately, SLES builds your capacity before transitioning you to IEA services. This early intervention approach addresses the stark reality that only 23% of transition-age NDIS participants were employed at scheme entry, with merely 17% of those aged 15-24 working in paid employment.

The employment gap for Australians with disability remains substantial: 53.4% labour force participation compared to 83.2% for those without disability. These pathways exist precisely to close that gap through targeted, sustained support that addresses individual barriers while connecting you to real opportunities in Townsville’s growing economy.

How Does NDIS Funding Support Employment Goals in Townsville?

NDIS funding for employment operates through specific line items in your plan, primarily under the “Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job” category (line item 10021010253). The critical first step involves raising employment as a goal during your NDIS planning or review meeting—ideally in your final year of school if you’re a young person, or at your next scheduled review if you’re already a participant.

Current NDIS employment outcomes demonstrate the scheme’s growing effectiveness. For participants aged 15-24, employment rates increased from 10% at baseline to 23% at reassessment—a 130% improvement. Among families and carers of NDIS participants, employment rose from 47% to 52% over two years, reflecting the ripple effects of improved support. Perhaps most tellingly, 80% of participants aged 15 and over reported having more autonomy in their lives after NDIS engagement, up from 67% at scheme entry.

SLES funding typically provides around $22,789 annually, allowing young people to explore career interests, obtain industry qualifications (White Card, RSA, RSG), develop work-readiness skills, and participate in actual work experience in open employment settings. Unlike many NDIS supports, SLES isn’t price-controlled, enabling flexible use across multiple providers simultaneously if needed.

For older participants or those already job-ready, Finding and Keeping a Job funding covers vocational assessments, on-site workplace support during employment, communication and social skills development specific to workplace environments, and industry-specific training. This funding can be used while also accessing IEA services—they’re complementary rather than mutually exclusive.

The distinction matters: IEA provides the employment placement and employer connection services, while NDIS funding can cover the additional individualised supports you need to succeed once employed. For instance, if you require support understanding workplace social cues, managing time effectively, or navigating public transport to work, NDIS capacity-building funding addresses these needs in ways that generic employment services cannot.

However, accessing these supports requires explicit goal-setting in your NDIS plan. As of December 2024, only 43% of working-age NDIS participants had employment-related goals in their plans—well short of the scheme’s target that at least 40% should be actively pursuing employment. If work interests you at all, raising it during planning unlocks these funding pathways.

What Employment Opportunities Exist for People With Disability in Townsville?

Townsville’s diverse economy creates genuine employment opportunities across sectors that historically demonstrate strong representation of workers with disability.

Healthcare and social assistance represents the largest employment sector in Townsville with 17,323 jobs, contributing $2.0 billion in gross value added. Significantly, this sector employs the highest proportion of workers with disability nationally at 21.7% of its workforce. Opportunities span Townsville University Hospital (the city’s largest employer), Mater Private Hospital, aged care services, community health organisations, and disability support services themselves. Roles include support workers, administrative positions, cleaning and maintenance, food services, reception work, and allied health support.

Manufacturing employs over 6,000 people in Townsville, with major operations including Xstrata Copper Refinery, Sun Metals Zinc Refinery, and growing advanced manufacturing capabilities. This sector offers packaging, assembly line work, warehouse operations, forklift driving, product inspection, and labelling positions—roles that often suit structured work environments and clear procedural guidance.

Industry Sector	Total Jobs	Economic Contribution	Typical Roles for Disability Inclusion
Healthcare & Social Assistance	17,323	$2.0 billion	Support workers, administration, cleaning, food services
Public Administration & Safety	12,278	$3.4 billion	Administrative roles, facilities management, records
Education & Training	9,270	$1.2 billion	Teaching assistants, administration, library services
Retail Trade	8,938	$811 million	Sales assistants, stocking, merchandising
Manufacturing	6,000+	Major contributor	Packaging, assembly, warehouse, inspection
Defence Services	5,641 FTE	$2.4 billion output	Support services, administration, logistics, IT

Education and training employs 9,270 people across James Cook University (21,972 students), Central Queensland University, TAFE Queensland campuses, and 96 primary and secondary schools. Teaching assistant roles, administrative support, library services, IT support, and grounds maintenance positions frequently accommodate flexible work arrangements and provide structured environments.

Retail trade offers 8,938 jobs across shopping centres, specialty stores, and hospitality venues. Sales assistant positions, stocking and merchandising, food service roles, and reception work provide entry points to employment with varying hour requirements and structured responsibilities.

The agriculture and horticulture sector demonstrates the highest over-representation of workers with disability nationally—6.3 percentage points above expected levels. In the Burdekin region near Townsville, Australia’s largest sugar-producing area, farm work, nursery operations, packing facilities, and maintenance roles offer opportunities often overlooked in urban-focused employment strategies.

Defence-related employment, anchored by Lavarack Barracks (Australia’s largest Army base) and RAAF Base Townsville, creates 5,641 full-time equivalent positions directly, with extensive contractor and support service employment. Administrative roles, IT support, logistics, facilities management, and maintenance positions within defence contractors frequently offer structured environments, clear procedures, and security that some workers with disability find particularly suitable.

Emerging sectors present future opportunities. The proposed $5 billion CopperString 2032 infrastructure project, development of hydrogen export capabilities, expansion of renewable energy through the North Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, and potential 15 GWh lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility (projecting 1,000+ direct jobs) signal substantial employment growth ahead.

What Workplace Adjustments and Support Are Available?

Workplace adjustments—also called reasonable accommodations—remove barriers that prevent people with disability from performing their roles effectively. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, employers must provide these adjustments unless doing so would cause “unjustifiable hardship,” defined as severe financial burden, technical impossibility, or heritage restrictions—not minor inconvenience or preference.

Physical modifications might include height-adjustable desks, accessible parking, improved lighting for vision impairment, noise-reducing partitions, ramps and automatic doors, or ergonomic equipment. Technology adjustments encompass screen readers, speech recognition software, amplified phones, accessible keyboards, or digital recorders for note-taking. For Deaf employees, Auslan interpreters can be funded through workplace adjustment schemes.

Work method modifications often prove most impactful: written instructions with visual prompts, clear daily routines, task sharing with colleagues, additional training time, regular supervisor check-ins, email communication instead of large meetings, and flexible break schedules. These adjustments benefit many employees beyond those with disability, improving overall workplace clarity and communication.

The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) provides government funding up to $30,000 for workplace modifications and equipment at no cost to either employee or employer. This fund covers assistive technology, workplace assessments, physical modifications, disability awareness training for teams, mental health first aid training, vehicle modifications for work purposes, and communication aids. Critically, this funding is separate from and additional to NDIS support—it’s specifically designed for employment contexts.

IEA providers in Townsville can facilitate workplace adjustment implementation, connecting employers to EAF funding, conducting workplace assessments, and providing ongoing support for both employee and employer. New IEA wage subsidies up to $10,000 per participant further incentivise employers to provide opportunities while the employee builds capacity and confidence.

How Can You Access Disability Employment Services in Townsville?

Accessing support begins with determining which pathway suits your current situation and goals.

For IEA services, you can contact providers directly without needing a referral. APM can be reached at 1800 276 276 or through online registration. MAX Solutions operates at Suite 10, Ground Floor, 358 Flinders Street, offering their MAXConnect online portal linking directly to job vacancies. atWork Australia provides regional services contactable at 1300 080 856. These organisations conduct initial assessments, discuss your employment goals, evaluate current skills and barriers, and develop individualised employment plans.

For NDIS-funded employment support, the process requires existing NDIS participation or application. Contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator to discuss adding employment goals to your plan. If you’re approaching your plan review, prepare by clarifying what employment means to you—whether that’s paid work, volunteering, work experience, or skill-building toward future employment. Specificity helps planners understand appropriate funding levels.

School Leaver Employment Supports require you to be in your final year of school or within two years of leaving. Speak with your school’s transition support staff, contact your NDIS planner or LAC, and research SLES providers operating in Townsville. MAX Solutions specifically offers SLES alongside their IEA services. Endeavour Foundation operates Learning and Lifestyle centres in Townsville providing flexible learning and employment pathway support.

JobAccess (www.jobaccess.gov.au or 1800 464 800) serves as the Australian Government’s central hub for disability employment information. JobAccess advisers can explain which services you’re eligible for, how to access Employment Assistance Fund support, what workplace adjustments might help your situation, and how to navigate the system effectively.

Local resources include Jobs North Queensland (www.jobsnorthqueensland.com.au) for regional employment listings, TAFE Queensland for vocational training and qualifications, and the Community Information Centre Townsville for directories of local support services and DES providers.

The employment gap for people with disability—currently 28.6 percentage points below those without disability—didn’t emerge from lack of capability. It reflects systemic barriers that targeted support services exist to dismantle. Accessing these services isn’t acknowledging limitation; it’s claiming the support you’re entitled to for achieving your employment goals.

Why Are Recent Reforms Significant for Disability Employment?

The November 2025 introduction of Inclusive Employment Australia represents the most substantial reform to disability employment services in a decade, reflecting recognition that the previous system wasn’t delivering adequate outcomes.

Removing the two-year time limit fundamentally changes sustainability. Previously, you could receive DES support for up to two years, after which you were expected to maintain employment independently regardless of ongoing support needs. Many NDIS participants with complex disabilities require ongoing workplace support indefinitely—not due to lack of capacity, but because their disability creates ongoing barriers that targeted support resolves. The time limit removal acknowledges this reality.

Expanded eligibility to people with 0-7 hours work capacity opens opportunities for an estimated additional 15,000 people annually. Previous exclusion of people unable to work eight hours weekly created a Catch-22: you couldn’t access employment support to build capacity because you didn’t already have enough capacity. The reform breaks this cycle.

The introduction of specialist providers for specific disability cohorts—autism, intellectual disability, psychosocial disability, acquired brain injury—recognises that generic approaches often fail to address unique needs. Autism-specific employment services, for instance, might focus on workplace social communication, sensory environment considerations, and routine maintenance in ways general providers may not understand. Intellectual disability services might emphasise supported decision-making, clear communication strategies, and task modification approaches specific to that experience.

Government investment of $227.6 million over five years signals policy commitment, while the $23.3 million Centre for Inclusive Employment will develop best-practice guidance, training resources, and research into what actually works. This evidence base has historically been weak, leading to inconsistent quality across providers.

The wage subsidy increase to $10,000 per participant addresses employer hesitation. While most workplace adjustments cost little, the perceived risk of hiring someone unfamiliar creates barriers. Wage subsidies offset that perception while the employee demonstrates their capability and the employer recognises that disability doesn’t equate to limited productivity.

Taking Your Next Steps Toward Employment

Employment isn’t simply about income, though the median weekly earnings gap—$575 for working-age people with disability versus $1,055 for those without—demonstrates the financial impact. Research consistently shows employment provides identity, purpose, social connection, skill development, and autonomy. Eighty percent of NDIS participants report increased autonomy after receiving support—employment often forms a cornerstone of that independence.

Whether you’re a school leaver exploring career interests, someone ready to re-enter the workforce after disability onset, or already employed but needing additional support to maintain that employment, specific pathways exist to support your goals. The employment gap—28.6 percentage points between Australians with and without disability—reflects systemic barriers, not individual limitation. These services exist precisely to address those barriers.

Townsville’s diverse economy, spanning healthcare, manufacturing, education, defence, retail, and emerging sectors like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, creates genuine opportunities. The city’s role as North Queensland’s economic hub, contributing $17.4 billion annually with over 101,000 jobs, means opportunities exist across skill levels, industries, and working arrangements.

Start by clarifying your own goals. What does employment mean to you? What barriers have you experienced or anticipate? What supports might help? Then connect with the appropriate service—IEA providers for immediate job-seeking support, your NDIS planner for capacity-building funding, or JobAccess for general guidance. The system remains complex, but navigating it becomes easier with expert support from people who understand both the opportunities and the obstacles.

For working-age people with disability, employment rates increased from 53.4% in 2018 to 60.5% in 2022—clear evidence that improved support creates improved outcomes. You’re not navigating this path alone, and the destination—meaningful, sustainable employment that respects your capabilities while providing necessary support—is increasingly within reach.