NDIS Supported Employment in Western Sydney: What It Is and How to Start
Work gives people purpose, routine and an income. For people with disability, supported employment can be a practical and welcoming way to begin.
This guide explains NDIS supported employment in Western Sydney and how to start. Thorndale Industries, our Werrington based enterprise, offers supported employment in packaging, assembly and lawn care.
What Is NDIS Supported Employment?
Supported employment is paid work with trained supervisors, adapted tasks and ongoing support. You build skills, join a team and earn an income at a pace that suits you.
Thorndale Industries is an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE). For the full explanation, read our guide, What Is Supported Employment?, or learn how an ADE works.
Who Can Apply for Supported Employment?
Supported employment is open to people with disability who want to develop skills, gain work experience and earn an income in an inclusive workplace.
It often suits people who:
- Want structured, team based work
- Are leaving school and exploring their options
- Prefer tasks matched to their strengths and stamina
If you are still at school, see our School Leavers Employment Support service.
What Work Can I Do at Thorndale Industries?
Thorndale Industries has two main teams, each doing real work for real customers. Tasks are matched to your interests and abilities.
Packaging and Assembly
Our packaging and assembly team works with businesses, from home based operators to large multinationals. Tasks include labelling, collating, mailouts, assembly, rework and shrink-wrapping. Learn more about our contract packaging service.
Lawn and Garden Maintenance
This team looks after residential, strata and commercial properties across Western Sydney. Tasks include mowing, edging, pruning, mulching, hedging and blow-vac operation. See our commercial lawn and garden service.
How Do Pay and Support Work?
Participants are paid under the Supported Employment Services Award. It provides fair wage assessments, transparent reviews and safe working conditions. You can read more on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Support is built around you. Expect one-on-one or small group supervision, adjusted duties, clear task breakdowns and a predictable routine. See how participants grow in How Thorndale Industries Helps People with Disability Build Real Careers.
How Do I Start Supported Employment in Western Sydney?
Starting is simpler than many people expect. These five steps show what to do first.
Step 1: Check Your NDIS Plan
Ask your planner whether employment supports are included in your plan. You can also find general information on the NDIS website.
Step 2: Contact Thorndale
Call (02) 9912 7800 or complete our ADE enquiry form. Tell us about your goals and the type of work that interests you.
Step 3: Meet the Team and Visit the Site
Visit our Werrington site to meet the team and see the work areas. You are welcome to bring a family member or support person.
Step 4: Match Tasks to Your Strengths
We match you to tasks that suit your strengths, stamina, communication style and learning needs, so work feels achievable from day one.
Step 5: Start and Review Your Goals
Begin in a supported team, then review your progress and goals as your confidence grows.
What Questions Should I Ask a Supported Employment Provider?
Preparing a few questions helps you compare providers with confidence. Visiting more than one provider is perfectly fine. Consider asking:
- What tasks and industries are available?
- How many supervisors work with each team?
- How are hours, breaks and routines organised?
- How is pay assessed and reviewed?
- How are my goals reviewed over time?
Bring someone you trust to your first meeting. They can help you take notes and think through your options.
What If I Am Still at School or Not Ready Yet?
Not everyone starts in supported employment straight away, and that is fine. School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) helps young people prepare for work after Year 12. Our guide, What Is SLES?, explains how it works.
Our Leisure, Living and Life Skills day program also builds routine, confidence and everyday skills. It can be a helpful stepping stone towards work.
Start Your Supported Employment Journey with Thorndale
Our team can talk through your goals, answer your questions and explain the next steps. There is no pressure, and family members are welcome to join the conversation.
Call us, email us or complete our ADE enquiry form. You can also read real experiences on our participant stories page.
Ways to Connect
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Call (02) 9912 7800
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Email info@thorndale.com.au
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Visit 47–49 Rance Road, Werrington NSW 2747
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Use our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
What does supported employment mean?
Supported employment is paid work with trained supervisors, adapted tasks and ongoing support, so you can build skills and earn an income at a pace that suits you.
Do I need an NDIS plan to start supported employment?
Requirements depend on your situation. Call our team on (02) 9912 7800 and we will confirm what you need before you begin.
What jobs are available at Thorndale Industries?
SDA funds the building and its accessibility features. SIL funds the support workers and daily assistance inside the home. Many participants receive both.
Do participants get paid for their work?
Yes. Participants are paid under the Supported Employment Services Award, with fair wage assessments and regular reviews.
Where is Thorndale’s supported employment located?
Thorndale Industries operates from 47-49 Rance Road, Werrington NSW. Its lawn and garden team services properties across Western Sydney.
Interested in joining Thorndale Communities?
With almost 60 years supporting the Western Sydney disability community, Thorndale Foundation remains a trusted provider of Supported Employment for Disabilities. Visit Thorndale Foundation to learn more about all their supported employment and community support services.
Call us: (02) 9912 7800
Email: info@thorndale.com.au
Enquire online: https://www.thorndale.com.au/services/ade-enquiry