Introduction: What Inclusive Employment Support Means
Inclusive employment support helps people living with disability, injury or health conditions prepare for work, find suitable employment and thrive in the workplace. It can include job coaching, employer advocacy, workplace adjustments, practical assistance and ongoing personal support.
Bradley is an AKG Inclusive Employment Australia customer in Western Australia who lives with a learning disability. Since joining AKG in 2023, he has steadily increased his work capacity—from one four-hour shift per week to around 25 hours per week.
His journey demonstrates how personalised assistance, an understanding employer and a trusting relationship can create sustainable employment.
“The cost of living is crazy, so I want more people to know about the supports available from AKG,” Bradley says.
Starting With a Goal
Bradley did not want his learning disability to prevent him from getting a job. To help him pursue that goal, AKG Job Coach Roberta contacted a local employer, advocated on his behalf and secured an opportunity for a trial shift.
Before the trial, Roberta visited the workplace to understand exactly what the position involved. She then explained the role and its responsibilities clearly to Bradley, helping him enter the workplace with greater confidence and a better understanding of what to expect.
Finding the Right Working Pattern
Bradley impressed the employer during his trial, but the original seven-hour shifts were too long for his capacity at the time.
Roberta listened to Bradley’s concerns and worked with the employer to adjust his shift lengths. By beginning with shorter shifts, Bradley could contribute effectively while gradually developing his stamina and confidence.
Over 13 weeks, he increased his working hours from one four-hour shift per week to 12 hours per week. Today, he works around 25 hours each week and continues to receive outstanding feedback from his employer.
Support That Continues After Employment
AKG’s support did not end when Bradley found a job. Since 2023, the team has continued to work alongside him to help ensure he remains confident, comfortable and successful at work.
The assistance changes according to Bradley’s circumstances. Recently, AKG helped him purchase suitable winter work clothing.
Bradley’s mum, who is also his carer, explained how valuable this practical support was. Because of Bradley’s height, finding appropriately sized clothing at an affordable price could be difficult—particularly amid rising living costs.
Building Trust Through Genuine Connection
Effective employment support involves more than practical assistance. It also depends on trust, consistency and empathy.
Hope, Bradley’s AKG Employment Support Consultant, understands the importance of building that connection. When they first met, Bradley was reserved. Instead of pushing him to engage, Hope took time to learn what mattered to him.
After discovering that Bradley enjoyed video games, Hope researched the games he played. That shared interest created a natural starting point for conversation, allowing them to develop a genuine relationship over time.
Being There When Circumstances Change
The value of that trusting relationship became especially clear when Bradley’s mum was admitted to hospital.
Without a driver’s licence, Bradley was unsure how he would travel to work. He contacted Hope immediately because he knew he could ask her for help.
Hope checked in with Bradley and his mum every day, helping him develop a plan for getting to work and ensuring he had someone to rely on during an uncertain time.
“All he needed was some reassurance over the phone,” Hope explains.
This kind of empathy helps people feel safe enough to raise concerns, request assistance and work through challenges before they become barriers to employment.
Building Capacity and Thriving at Work
Bradley’s progress has been gradual, sustainable and shaped around his individual needs. His employment journey has included:
- Securing a trial shift through employer advocacy
- Preparing for the role with clear, personalised guidance
- Adjusting shift lengths to suit his stamina
- Increasing his hours from four to around 25 per week
- Receiving practical help with winter work clothing
- Accessing consistent emotional and transport-planning support
- Earning outstanding feedback from his employer
Bradley continues to shine in his workplace, and the AKG team could not be prouder of how far he has come.
More Than Finding a Job
Bradley’s story shows that inclusive employment is not simply about helping someone secure a job. It is about finding the right opportunity, making reasonable adjustments, building work capacity and providing ongoing support when life changes.
With advocacy, empathy and trust, Bradley has grown from working one four-hour shift each week to thriving in a role for around 25 hours per week—and his journey continues.
