Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA)
Through the Inclusive Employment Australia program, we support you to build your skills, gain workplace confidence and connect with employers who value your interests and strengths.

The Bridge Employment delivers Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) in partnership with CoAct Connect – Australia’s leading network not-for-profit employment services organisations. We provide CoAct Connect’s evidence-based, co-designed programs in our local communities, while CoAct Connect drives network-wide performance and innovation. Together, we help people reach their full potential through sustained, meaningful employment.
What is Inclusive Employment Australia?
Inclusive Employment Australia is the Australian Government’s new specialist disability employment program. It replaced Disability Employment Services (DES) from the 1st November 2025. Inclusive Employment Australia provides more flexible, personalised and long-term support for people with disability, injury, illness, or mental health conditions who are looking for work.
Tailoring Support Around You
So you can move into open employment with confidence:
- Career planning and goal setting
- Job readiness coaching, resumes and applications
- Interview practice and employer introductions
- Short courses, licences and certificates relevant to your field
- Work trials and on the job coaching
- Ongoing post placement support to help you settle and progress
Our team also works with your employer to make your first day smoother and your first months more successful.
How the IEA Process Works
01.
Contact us on 1800 860 406 and tell us about your goals, interest and any supports you use now (state you want The Bridge Employment as your IEA provider)
02.
Eligibility and registration for IEA are confirmed and we coordinate next steps
03.
Your plan covers job search, training, employer connections and any workplace adjustments
04.
Placement and support continue once you start work so you can keep building skills and confidence
For Employers
We partner with businesses across a range of industries to support inclusive hiring and retention. That includes role design and onboarding, practical training for teams, and ongoing support to help new starters succeed. Talk to us about your workforce needs and how our Inclusive Employment Australia team can meet them.
Are you interested in Inclusive Employment Australia?
If you are looking for work, changing careers or returning after time away, we can help you plan your next steps and connect with the right opportunities.
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FAQs
Our employment services are for people with different abilities who want to build skills, gain work experience, and find meaningful employment. Whether you’re preparing for your first job, returning to work, or looking to grow your confidence and independence, we tailor supports around your goals, strengths and interests.
Many of our employment supports can be funded through the NDIS. If you’re unsure whether your plan covers employment-related supports, our team can help you understand your funding or connect you with Support Coordination to explore your options.
If you are looking to access Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) or Casey CALD Youth Project, these are separate employment programs and not a NDIS-funded support.
That’s okay, NDIS plans are often flexible. If your goals include building independence, developing job skills, or finding employment, your existing funding may still be used. Our Support Coordination team, or your current Support Coordinator, can help you understand your plan and identify suitable pathways.
- Job Skills Building (Your Job Now) focuses on preparing you for work through training, work experience, and 1:1 coaching.
- Supported Employment offers all-abilities employment opportunities within our warehouses and enterprise operations, with ongoing workplace support.
- Open Employment supports you to find and maintain a job in the broader community, matched to your interests and goals through the Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) and Casey CALD Youth Employment Project programs.
We help you choose the pathway that’s right for you.
Everything we do is person-centred. We work with you to understand your strengths, interests and career goals, then work with you to access the right supports that build your confidence, skills and long-term success.
We focus on ability, opportunity and real-world outcomes. Our employment pathways are practical, supportive and tailored to you – not a one-size-fits-all model. We prioritise skill development, confidence building and meaningful employment that creates long-term impact through many holistic services.
Yes. Families and carers are welcome to be involved in planning, goal setting and communication, as much or as little as the participant chooses. We value collaborative support and clear communication.
Absolutely. Many people access a combination of services at the same time. For example, you might participate in Job Skills Building while working toward Open Employment or combine our Employment Services with other supports across The Bridge.
Getting started is easy. Simply contact our team at enquiries@thebridgeinc.org.au or complete our intake form, and our friendly team will guide you through your options and next steps.