TURSA Connecting Business and Workers

Founded in 1994, Tursa Employment & Training is a not-for-profit organisation. Our core business is all about work: finding work for people who need work and finding workers for businesses that need workers. TURSA is also a nationally accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO: 90325). From 48 offices along the Eastern seaboard from Forster (NSW) to Noosaville (QLD), TURSA connects participants and businesses with a minimum of fuss and no fees.

Our Employer Handbook Programs

Workforce Australia Services

TURSA helps participants find employment and supports their transition into work. We assist participants in retaining their jobs and thriving in new roles. Additionally, we provide resume screening, candidate shortlisting, wage subsidies, traineeship incentives, and post-placement support for long-term success.

Disability Employment Services

TURSA provides Disability Employment Services across accessible offices from Noosaville in Queensland to Forster in New South Wales. Our focus is on assisting participants in building skills and confidence for employment. We offer ongoing support, mentoring, and guidance after placement to ensure a successful transition to work. Additionally, we support business owners with wage subsidy guidance, fostering sustainable job placements.

Statistics on Hidden Disabilities: As an employer, you have the power to make a difference. Approximately 20% of Australia’s workforce may be living with an invisible disability, some may already be in your employment. These conditions, which span physical, mental, or neurological aspects, are not immediately apparent but can impact a person’s abilities to operate in what we consider a traditional method. By creating an inclusive environment and accommodating the needs of employees with invisible disabilities, you can benefit from a safer and more productive workplace.

Benefits of Hiring People with Barriers to Employment:

Increased Revenue: Employing people with disabilities can lead to improved profitability related to employee performance and increased customer satisfaction.
Improved Productivity: Evidence shows that people with disabilities have a positive work attitude and work ethos, which can boost workplace productivity.
Enhanced Workplace Morale: Hiring people with diverse perspectives and talents contributes to a positive workplace culture and improved morale.
Greater Innovation: Employees with disabilities bring unique insights and creativity, fostering organisational innovation.
Reflecting the Community: A workforce that includes people with disabilities better represents the broader community and promotes social inclusion.

Transition to Work

TURSA delivers the Australian Government’s Workforce Australia – Transition to Work programme in the Brisbane Southeast region with offices in Woodridge, Beenleigh and Capalaba and is specifically designed for young people aged between 15 and 24. TURSA aims to help them create opportunities to find direction, and ultimately, a job that is right for them.

Our Participant Journey

The participant journey at TURSA involves flexible engagement and assessment, allowing participants to have a say in their service design. Participants are given access to interpreters and flexibility in appointment attendance. Participants have a one-on-one relationship with the same Employment Adviser or Disability Employment Advocate throughout all referral phases to build trust. Our recruitment process starts by building on the participant’s strengths. We will refer our participants to jobs based on the information compiled from Job Choice Discussions, Skills Assessments, and Participant Resumes.

How does TURSA support employers?

TURSA supports employers by understanding their needs for specific roles and tailoring services to meet those needs. We engage with employers to identify requirements, provide training packages based on needs, offer support for workplace modifications, and assist in testing participant suitability through paid work trials. TURSA also collaborates with employers to address barriers and enhance service delivery.

Job Placement Services

We connect participants with employment opportunities from our extensive database, ensuring alignment with job requirements.
Employers can test participants’ skills in the workplace via job trials to verify suitability.

Pre-Employment Training

We offer industry-specific training to equip participants with essential skills.
We can organise Third-party training to enhance their readiness for employment.

Specialist Support for Employers

Each TURSA participant has a dedicated Employment Adviser or Disability Employment Advocate that will support them from their first appointment until at least 6 months on the job. Providing you additional peace of mind.
Our team includes Business Liaison Officers, Work Placement Officers, and Employment Advisers who cater to employers’ needs effectively and inline with business needs.

Community Links for Diverse Pathways

We leverage local community connections to provide diverse employment pathways for participants, increasing their chances of successful employment.

Continuous Improvement

We conduct annual labour market reviews, collaborate with employers, and utilise stakeholder feedback to drive positive outcomes.

TURSA: Championing Employment for Individuals with Barriers

TURSA, as a Job Services Provider, successfully supports employment for people living with barriers. TURSA understands the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with barriers and works closely with them to find suitable employment opportunities. TURSA also works closely with other community organisations, employers, and participants to ensure they have the tools, support, and modifications needed to achieve their goals.

Hiring Individuals with Barriers: A Guide for Employers

So, you’ve read a little about the facts and benefits of hiring people. Let’s delve into the practical steps to make this process successful.

When hiring candidates with barriers, we keep the following points in mind:

Rethink the Interview Process: There may be better approaches than traditional interviews. Instead, focus on observing and assessing candidates based on their abilities within your organization or team. Look beyond scripted answers and consider their practical skills and potential contributions.
Holistic People Processes: Consider the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring to onboarding. Ensure that your processes are inclusive and supportive. This includes adapting your career progression paths to accommodate diverse talents and strengths.
Respect Differences: Embrace diversity by acknowledging and respecting individual differences. Autistic individuals bring unique perspectives and skills to the table.
Mentorship: Provide mentorship programs to support neurodiverse thinkers. Mentorship goes beyond career planning—it helps navigate workplace nuances and fosters a sense of belonging. Speak with your Job Service Provide for more information.
A guide for Employers CLICK HERE

Remember, every workplace can make a difference by adopting these changes, many of which are low-cost or cost-free.

Employing individuals with barriers is a win-win situation. It provides opportunities for a marginalised group while bringing unique skills and perspectives to the workplace.

Employer Handbook: Supports, Information and Employer Incentives

https://calculate.fairwork.gov.au/findyourawardThe minimum pay rate provided by the Fair Work Act 2009 and is reviewed each year. As of 1 July 2024 the National Minimum Wage is $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week. Note: Casual employees must be paid 25% loading and are subject to the correct award to your industry.

More details CLICK HERE
Award Calculator CLICK HERE

Wage subsidies may be available to businesses that hire eligible individuals into ongoing jobs. Wage subsidies can be up to a maximum of $10,000.

If you fill an ongoing position with the help of:

Workforce Australia
Workforce Australia – Transition to Work, or a
ParentsNext provider

the provider may offer you a wage subsidy.

The wage subsidy is to help with some of the initial costs of hiring the new employee to help ensure the success of their employment.

Whether the individual is eligible will depend on how long they have been participating in employment services. More details CLICK HERE

Apprenticeships: The Priority Hiring Incentive is a payment for employers of Australian Apprentices training towards an occupation and qualification at a Certificate level III or above listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority ListOpens in new window or tab. You can use the Priority List Explorer to see which occupations and qualifications qualify for support.

You may be eligible to receive a Priority Hiring Incentive of up to $5000 in the first year of an apprenticeship, paid over two instalments of

$2,000 at 6 months and $3,000 at 12 months (full- time)
$1,000 at 6 months and $1,500 at 12 months (part-time)

For detailed information CLICK HERE

JobAccess is the national hub for workplace and employment information for people with disability, employers and service providers.

Created by the Australian Government, it brings together the information and resources that can ‘drive disability employment’. Along with this website, there is:

a telephone advice line (1800 464 800)
the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) for workplace modifications and support
An employer engagement service – the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC)
Complaints Resolution and Referral Service
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline

Download this page as a PDF CLICK HERE

Job Search with Confidence

Tursa Employment and Training Can Help You Overcome Any Barrier to Employment

Are you seeking a job that suits your skills, interests, and goals?
Do you face any barriers or challenges that make your job search more difficult?
Do you want to work with an employment provider that cares about you and your career development?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you must contact Tursa Employment and Training today. TURSA is not just another job agency. They are your allies in finding your ideal job and overcoming any obstacles along the way + they are a FREE service.

TURSA has over 27 years of experience in delivering employment services to people from different backgrounds, including people with disabilities, young people, mature-age workers, and Indigenous Australians. They understand each individual’s unique needs and preferences and provide personalised support and guidance.

Here are some of the benefits of having TURSA assist:

You will have access to a wide range of job vacancies in your local area and online resources and tools to help you with your job search.
You will receive assistance in finding, securing, and maintaining employment and accessing skills training and education.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for various incentives and subsidies, such as wage subsidies, work ready assistance, and work trial programs.
You will be part of a community that values diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. TURSA has strong connections with local employers, organisations, and support services that can help you with personal and professional development.

Regardless of your barrier, TURSA can help you find a solution. TURSA can provide the support and resources you need to overcome them.

Don’t let anything stop you from pursuing your opportunity to work. Contact Tursa Employment and Training today and discover how they can help you find your next job. Visit their website or call them on 1800 670 914. Your future starts with TURSA.

TEL 1800 670 914