How to Include Employment Goals in Your NDIS Plan
Finding meaningful employment is a key step toward independence, confidence, and personal growth. Participants can access a range of supports in employment NDIS designed to help them prepare for, find, and maintain a job that suits their abilities and goals.
Whether you’re currently studying, seeking your first job, or returning to the workforce, including employment goals in your NDIS plan can open the door to valuable opportunities and funding support. Here’s how to make it happen.
Understanding NDIS Supports in Employment
The NDIS supports in employment category focuses on helping participants build the skills, confidence, and capacity needed to engage in work-related activities. These supports can include:
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Job readiness training: Building skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
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Workplace assistance: Funding for job coaching, mentoring, or on-the-job training.
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Skill development: Support to learn new skills that improve employability or support career progression.
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Capacity building: Psychological and therapeutic supports that help participants manage anxiety, stress, or other barriers to employment.
 
These supports in employment NDIS services aim to create a tailored pathway so participants can pursue and sustain meaningful work, whether that’s in open employment, supported employment, or self-employment.
Step 1: Identify Your Employment Goals
Before your planning meeting, think about what you want to achieve in your career journey. Employment goals don’t have to mean “get a full-time job right now” — they can focus on gradual progress such as:
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Developing work skills through training or volunteering.
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Exploring different job options and interests.
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Transitioning from school to work.
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Increasing work hours or responsibilities.
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Starting your own small business.
 
Write down what matters most to you. The more specific your goals are, the easier it will be for your planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to link the right supports.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence
When discussing employment goals, evidence can help justify the need for NDIS supports in employment. You might include:
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Reports from a psychologist or occupational therapist identifying barriers or strengths.
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Past work experience, training certificates, or resumes.
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A letter from an employment provider or job coach.
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A statement about how employment contributes to your independence and wellbeing.
 
Providing detailed evidence helps NDIS planners understand how these supports will help you work toward your goals.
Step 3: Discuss Employment in Your NDIS Planning Meeting
During your planning meeting, make sure to clearly express your interest in work and what kind of NDIS employment opportunities you’re seeking. You can say things like:
“I’d like to explore part-time work in retail, but I need help building my confidence and social skills.”
“I want to start studying to prepare for future employment, and I’d like NDIS supports that help me get there.”
This helps your planner connect your goals with specific funding categories, such as:
Step 4: Access the Right Employment Supports
Once your plan is approved, you can start connecting with registered providers who deliver supports in employment NDIS services. Depending on your goals, these might include:
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Psychologists or counsellors to build confidence, manage anxiety, or set realistic work goals.
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Employment coaches who help with job searching, resumes, and interview preparation.
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On-the-job support workers who assist with tasks or communication at work.
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Training organisations that help you develop specific job-related skills.
 
Working with a provider who understands your needs ensures you get the most from your plan and can take advantage of NDIS employment opportunities that fit your strengths.
Step 5: Review and Update Your Employment Goals
As your skills and confidence grow, your goals will evolve. You can update your plan during your next review or request a plan reassessment if your employment situation changes.
For example, if you move from training into a paid role, you might need different types of support — such as transport assistance, job coaching, or workplace modifications. Regular reviews keep your plan relevant and focused on your long-term independence.
Final Thoughts
Including employment goals in your NDIS plan is a proactive way to build independence and pursue meaningful work. By identifying what you want, gathering the right evidence, and communicating clearly with your planner, you can unlock the NDIS supports in employment that help you thrive in your chosen career.
With the right supports, every participant can access NDIS employment opportunities that lead to greater confidence, connection, and fulfilment.
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