Employment for People with a Criminal Record: Building a New Path with TURSA

Everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their life, find purpose, and contribute to their community. At TURSA, we believe a past mistake shouldn’t define your future. We provide employment for ex-offenders, helping people develop skills, gain confidence, and find meaningful work after release.

As a not-for-profit organisation, TURSA focuses on creating opportunities that support positive change. Our team understands the challenges of starting over and offers guidance that’s practical, respectful, and focused on helping you succeed.

Work brings structure, independence, and self-worth — and we’re here to help you take that next step forward.

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How TURSA Helps People After Release

Adjusting to life after prison can be difficult, especially when it comes to finding work. TURSA provides personalised employment support for people with a criminal record to help bridge that gap.

We take time to understand your situation, your skills, and your goals. Together, we create a plan that works for you.

Our support includes:

  • Job search assistance and resume preparation
  • Interview coaching and communication training
  • Confidence-building and workplace readiness support
  • Connections with local employers who value second chances
  • Ongoing guidance once you’re employed

You don’t have to face the job search alone. TURSA is here to help you find steady, meaningful work that fits your abilities and interests.

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Education and Training for Ex-Offenders

Education and training can open doors to new opportunities. TURSA provides education and training for people with a criminal record through its Registered Training Organisation, giving you access to nationally recognised courses and hands-on learning.

You can develop practical skills in areas such as:

  • Computer and digital literacy
  • Customer service and administration
  • Trades, warehousing, or hospitality
  • Time management and teamwork

Our trainers focus on helping you gain confidence and real-world experience that improves your job prospects. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or return to work after time away, we’ll help you build a pathway that suits your goals.

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Ongoing Employment Support

Getting a job is just the beginning. TURSA continues to support you after you start work to help you adjust, communicate effectively, and feel secure in your new role.

We offer:

  • Regular check-ins to ensure things are going smoothly
  • Guidance for workplace communication or problem-solving
  • Support if challenges arise during early employment
  • Advice on staying motivated and growing your career

Our aim is to make sure your new job becomes a long-term opportunity, one that gives you independence and stability.

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Why Choose TURSA

For more than 30 years, TURSA has helped thousands of people find meaningful work. We’re a not-for-profit, community-based organisation focused on improving lives through employment and training.

With offices from Forster (NSW) to Noosaville (QLD), our experienced staff are here to offer personal, practical support at every step.

We believe everyone deserves the chance to contribute, to be respected, and to rebuild their future.

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Start Fresh with TURSA

Your future starts with one step, and TURSA is ready to take it with you.

Contact your nearest TURSA office or reach out online to speak with a member of our team. Together, we’ll help you find stable work, new skills, and a sense of purpose.

Take the next step toward a new beginning with TURSA today.

Inclusive Employment Services FAQs

Inclusive Employment Australia is a new specialist disability employment program. It assists people with disability, injury or health condition to find and maintain work and grow their career.

It will replace the Disability Employment Services (DES) program on 1 November 2025. 

  • Firstly, we will determine if TURSA can directly register you into our service and guide you through the referral process.
  • If this is not possible, Services Australia will complete an assessment to see if you are eligible and will refer you to an IEA provider that is most accessible to you.
  • You have the choice of what IEA provider you want to join or work with. If you would like to change or join TURSA, you can drop in, or call into any of our 18 convenient locations. (Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Taree, Forster) CLICK HERE
  • Once you have joined TURSA’s IEA programme, you will be paired with a Disability Employment Advocate to start your journey to employment with us.

As a guide to be eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, you would:

  • Have a disability, injury or mental health condition
  • Be an Australian resident or eligible visa holder aged 14 to 65
  • Be at or above the minimum working age in your state or territory.
  • Be interested in commencing a job or increasing your hours.
  • Not be studying full time.
  • Think about what kind of support you need—whether it’s finding a job, accessing training, or receiving workplace assistance.
  • Look for providers who operate in your area and understand your local community and job market.
  • Don’t hesitate to contact providers directly. Ask about their approach to inclusive employment, how they support participants, and what outcomes they’ve achieved.
  • A good provider will be committed to your success—not just in finding a job, but in helping you thrive in the workplace.

If you are currently with another provider and wish to change to TURSA, call your local office or 1800 670 914 for assistance. 

Tursa Employment & Training is committed to providing you with the highest levels of customer service in our provision of employment, training, and assessment services. This includes protecting your privacy. We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles incorporated in the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, which set out several principles concerning the protection of your personal information. Find out more by viewing our Privacy Policy here: CLICK HERE

The TURSA Activity Fund (TAF) is funding available to participants of TURSA. In agreement with your Disability Employment Advocate (DEA), the TAF was designed to support you with funding to purchase goods and services that will help you become work ready and support you when you start employment. For more information and how it could support your journey to employment, speak with your DEA. 

At TURSA, you will have one designated Disability Employment Advocate (DEA) that will work with you from start to finish. We know it takes time to build trust and rapport, so you will work with one DEA from when you commence into IEA until you start work and continue to be supported in work by the same person while you need it. To get tailored, one-on-one support, contact your local TURSA office. 

We know some participants require support to help manage their disability, injury or health condition. At TURSA, we work with local allied health partners who have a broad range of expertise to support you with your health. If local services are not available or suitable, TURSA also has telehealth partners that can provide health support while you continue to work with TURSA on your employment and training goals

Finding a suitable job is one challenge that TURSA will support you with, however we are also there to help you maintain it. The adjustment to starting work can be challenging, and your TURSA Disability Employment Advocate (DEA) is there to help you every step of the way. This may include face to face and phone contact to provide support, work related funding using the TURSA Activity Fund, further training to support you in your role, or creating a career development plan to support your employment journey well into the future. At TURSA, we know that a job is just the beginning… 

Part of getting you ready for work is ensuring you feel confident to enter the workplace. At TURSA we have a menu of training courses and workshops to support you feel confident, skilled and educated to take the next step into work. Contact your local TURSA office today to ask about the flexible training options available. 

If you are currently with another provider and wish to swap to TURSA, call your local office or 1800 670 914 for assistance. 

No. TURSA also supports participants who have injuries or mental health conditions to obtain and sustain a job.

No. The IEA program is funded by Australia’s Federal Government and has no cost associated with participants.

The Eligible School Leaver (ESL) program is designed to help you transition from school to work. The TURSA team will work with you to discover your career goals and ambitions and help you develop a plan to get there while completing your schooling. While the ESL program is typically for year 12 students, support can be considered for any student transitioning into the workforce, while completing their final year of schooling.

Call: 1800 670 914

Visit one of our 18 Locations  CLICK HERE

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