Supported Employment Melbourne | Inclusive Jobs with C2A

Supported Employment in Melbourne: How C2A Is Creating Inclusive Jobs

Supported employment in Melbourne offers people with disability tailored opportunities to work, with tasks, training and coaching adapted to their needs offers people with disability the opportunity to work in an environment where tasks, training and coaching are adapted to their needs. They join the ‘regular’ workforce, but have someone helping them (usually a 1-3 or 1-5 carer to participant ratio) as they complete their tasks. 

Supported employment in Melbourne offers people with disability tailored opportunities to work, with tasks, training and coaching adapted to their needs. These programs are often aligned with national initiatives such as the Australian Government’s Supported Employment Programs

At C2A, supported employment in Melbourne and regional Victoria goes beyond job placement. It’s about building real-world capability through structured, on-the-ground training. 

These supported employment programs focus on skill building, with participants learning a range of tasks from operating equipment to grounds maintenance and safe machinery use. Every task is guided by experienced disability support workers who teach correct techniques and model safe practices.

Supported employment doesn’t stop with technical skills. Participants also learn workplace communication, teamwork and self-management, creating a foundation for long-term confidence. 

Every workplace and individual is different, so we adapt the work environment with tailored support, workplace modifications and coaching to suit the person, the role and the setting. It’s a model built around capability and trust.

Supported employment options from C2A

Individuals with disability have access to a number of supported employment opportunities through C2A. 

Our Op Shops are one example. These stores play a vital role in bridging the gap between support and community connection. Supported employees take part in sorting, folding, stocking shelves and engaging with customers, often as part of a pathway from our community programs into supported employment.

This hands-on experience develops confidence, customer service skills, money handling and social interaction in a public-facing environment. These transferable skills are valuable, not just in the workplace, but in everyday life. For many of our participants, it’s their first opportunity to contribute meaningfully in a community-facing role, and it’s a source of enormous pride.

Other supported employment roles see individuals helping at a busy recycling sorting facility or working for a screen printer. Opportunities also include: 

We aim to ensure the work feels fulfilling and fun, with many participants building positive relationships with their colleagues, employers and care workers. 

Pathways to open employment — and proud milestones

Our model doesn’t just provide jobs — it creates a pathway to independence, confidence and career development, which many participants carry into open employment.

C2A’s supported employment programs are designed to meet people where they’re at and support them as far as they want to go. For some, that means moving into open employment with a bank of transferable skills and newfound confidence. For others, it means finding meaningful long-term work in a setting where they feel safe, valued and connected.

Every success matters. We celebrate moments like learning to safely operate machinery, growing from two days a week to four, or gaining the confidence to operate a till for the first time. These are not small wins, they’re life-changing steps forward.

Some participants stay with C2A for a long time. Their long tenure speaks to the sense of belonging they feel, the friendships they’ve formed, and the stability the workplace offers. 

It’s not unusual to meet supported employees who’ve been with us for 30 or even 40 years. At the other end of things, we are always excited to welcome school-leavers seeking a meaningful way to build self-esteem, earn some money and contribute to the community. 

Why our supported model works for individuals and families in Melbourne and beyond

The strength of our approach lies in its integration. Supported employment at C2A combines real work with coaching, mentoring and meaningful community engagement. Most of our disability support team members are permanent staff, not casuals, which creates consistency and trust, both for participants and their families.

When they come to work, our participants feel safe, supported and seen. Meanwhile, their families know their loved one is not just in a program, but part of a community where they’re known, respected and encouraged to grow. Whether someone’s goal is to gain independence, explore work options or simply build confidence, we work with them to get there.

Looking for supported employment in Melbourne that delivers more than just a job?

C2A offers a pathway that’s tailored, practical and grounded in community. Get in touch to explore how we can support you or someone you care about.

Before you go: We are always looking to support the social procurement goals of businesses in Melbourne and Victoria. If you want to contribute to the community by hiring people with disability, reach out today.