yourtown is a registered youth specialist provider of Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA). Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is an Australian Government program, previously known as Disability Employment Services (DES).
What is Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)?
Are you looking for help finding work? Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) supports people with a disability, injury, mental health condition, or health condition to get ready, find, and keep a job they love.
yourtown is a specialist provider that supports young people aged 14 to 25. Whether you're looking for your first job, returning to work, exploring education and training options, or wanting support to stay employed, we'll work alongside you to find a pathway that works for you.
You might be eligible if you are
- aged between 14- and 25-years-old
- living with a disability, injury, mental health condition, or health condition
- looking for support to find or keep a job
Not sure if you're eligible? Don't worry, our team can help you understand your options. Fill out the form below, or contact us to discuss your unique eligibility.
Your journey with yourtown
Everyone's journey is different. Through Inclusive Employment Australia, yourtown will work alongside you to understand your goals, build on your strengths, and support you on your pathway to employment.
1. Let's get to know each other
You'll meet with your Job Development Coach, who will take the time to understand your strengths, interests, goals and support needs. Together, we'll explore what meaningful employment looks like for you.
We’ll help you get started with the program, show you around yourSpace and connect you with the support, opportunities, resources and community available through yourtown.
2. Create your personalised pathway
We'll work with you to develop a plan that reflects your goals and aspirations. Your pathway may include employment, training, education, skill development or connecting with additional supports.
You're not expected to do everything on your own. We'll work alongside you to overcome barriers and connect you with the right support, including youth workers, counsellors, cultural support and other services available through yourtown.
3. Build skills and confidence
We'll support you to prepare for employment in a way that works for you. This may include resume support, job applications, interview preparation, work readiness activities and building confidence for the workplace.
As a youth specialist provider, we offer a range of opportunities to help you build practical skills, confidence and connections. This may include work readiness and life skills activities, social events and support to overcome challenges that may be impacting your employment journey.
4. Connect with opportunities
When you're ready, we'll help you explore and apply for opportunities that align with your strengths, interests and goals. We'll support you throughout the recruitment process, connect you with inclusive employers and help identify workplace adjustments and supports that may help you succeed at work.
We can also connect you with on-the-job work experience opportunities, education, training, apprenticeships or traineeships to help you take the next step towards your goals.
5. Start work and keep growing
Your Job Development Coach will continue to support you as you settle into work, navigate challenges and build confidence in your new role. We're here to help you succeed and work towards your future goals.
We'll stay connected throughout your employment journey and where appropriate, work alongside your employer to help create a positive, supportive and sustainable workplace experience.
Why choose yourtown
Youth specialists
Supporting young people is what we do. For decades, yourtown has helped young people build confidence, overcome challenges and create brighter futures. We understand that finding a job is only one part of the journey.
Young people are the centre of everything we do. Our team understands the unique challenges young people can face and works alongside you to build confidence, develop skills and achieve your goals. We take the time to get to know you, understand your aspirations and provide support that works for you.
Real support, built around you
We don't just find you a job - we support you in a way that works for you and your life.
When you connect with yourtown as your Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) provider, we'll work with you to find a job that suits your strengths, interests, and goals.
You'll have access to:
- one-on-one personalised support
- your own dedicated Job Development Coach
- a wraparound team supporting you, including youth workers, counsellors, cultural support and specialist staff
- support with life challenges, not just finding a job
- ongoing support after you start work.
Opportunities beyond IEA
As a yourtown member, you may be connected to additional programs, opportunities and supports that complement your employment journey.
Depending on your goals and eligibility, this may include:
- education and training pathways
- traineeships, apprenticeships and employment pathways
- eligible work experience opportunities
- social enterprise programs
- youth participation opportunities including yourtown’s Youth Network
- wellbeing and counselling supports
Our goal is to connect you with the right support at the right time.
yourSpace: a space that's built for you
it’s more than just a service - it’s yourSpace: a place where you can feel supported and just be yourself. With locations across Queensland, our youth-friendly spaces are designed to help you feel welcome, supported and connected. You'll have access to:
- free food, snacks, and coffee
- device charging
- social activities
- quiet spaces
- places to study
- accessible access
- workshops and activities
- games and recreation
- life skill sessions (e.g. cooking)
- laptops for job search/study
- free wifi
Powered by Kids Helpline
yourtown is the organisation behind Kids Helpline, Australia's free 24/7 counselling service for young people. As a yourtown member, you’ll be able to access priority Kids Helpline support through yourtown 24/7 when you need someone to talk to.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is it free?
Yes! Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is a free program funded by the Australian Government. There are no costs for eligible participants.
Am I eligible?
You might be eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) if you are:
- aged between 14- and 25-years-old
- living with a disability, injury, mental health condition, or health condition
- looking for support to find or keep a job
- an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- not studying full-time (unless you're an eligible school leaver).
You don’t need to be receiving Centrelink payments to participate. Some NDIS participants, eligible school leavers, and voluntary participants may also be able to access the program.
Not sure if you qualify? Don't worry. If Inclusive Employment Australia isn’t the right fit, we can discuss other employment and training programs that may suit your goals.
Do I need a diagnosis
Not necessarily
Some participants have a formal diagnosis, while others may have a disability, injury, or health condition that impacts their ability to work. In some cases, you may be asked to provide information about your disability, injury or health condition as part of the eligibility or assessment process.
How do I join?
Getting started is easy. You may be referred through Services Australia, following an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt), or by choosing yourtown as your Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) provider.
You can fill out the contact form, call us on 1300 001 015, or send us an email at jobs@yourtown.com.au to get started.
Can I choose my provider?
Yes! Inclusive Employment Australia gives participants choice and control over their employment journey. You can choose the provider that best meets your needs, goals and preferences. When choosing a provider, it’s important to find a service that understands your goals, communicates in a way that works for you and offers the support you need.
As a youth specialist provider, yourtown focuses on supporting young people aged 14-25
If you're already registered for Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA), you can switch to yourtown by requesting a transfer. We can help you understand what information you'll need to start this process.
Can I get support if I'm already working?
Yes.
Inclusive Employment Australia can support people who are already employed but need assistance to maintain their job, build skills, increase hours, navigate workplace challenges or access workplace adjustments. We'll work alongside you to identify the support that best meets your needs. This may include workplace adjustments, building confidence in the workplace, improving communication skills or supporting you to work towards your employment goals. Where appropriate, we can also work with your employer to help create a positive, inclusive and supportive workplace experience.
How do I give feedback or make a complaint
Your feedback matters. You can tell us what’s working, what’s not or how we can improve.
You can share:
- feedback about your experience
- concerns and complaints
- ideas or suggestions
- things we could do better
- compliments and positive feedback to recognise great service.
Your feedback helps us improve how we support young people. It won't affect the support you receive.
Your rights and responsibilities
We are committed to providing services that are safe, respectful, and inclusive.
Learn more about what you can expect from us, your rights as a participant and how we work together.
Ready to get started?
Let's take the next step together.
Whether you're a young person looking for support, a parent, carer, supporter, or someone wanting to learn more about our services, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form or reach out to our team and we'll be in touch.
Email: yourtownplus@yourtown.com.au
Phone: 1300 967 573
Text: 0488 415 415
