How Thorndale Industries Helps People with Disability Build Real Careers
Supported employment isn't just about filling hours. For participants at Thorndale Industries, it's a genuine pathway to skills, responsibility, and long-term career growth.
As the commercial arm of Thorndale Foundation, Thorndale Industries gives people with disability the chance to work in real commercial roles, supported every step of the way.
What Is Thorndale Industries?
Thorndale Industries operates as an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE), meaning it delivers genuine commercial services to businesses while employing people with disability in supported roles.
It's not simulated work experience. Participants complete real jobs for real clients, from small local businesses to larger commercial customers.
Almost 60 Years in the Making
Thorndale Foundation's roots go back to 1959, when it began as a parent-led organisation supporting children with intellectual disabilities in the Nepean region.
By 2009, the foundation had shifted its focus to include adults with disability, which laid the groundwork for the supported employment programs Thorndale Industries runs today from its Werrington base. That history matters: it's the foundation of an organisation that understands disability employment as a long-term commitment, not a short-term program.
Real Commercial Work, Real Skills
Participants at Thorndale Industries work across a genuinely broad range of services:
- Packaging and assembly: promotional kits, conference kits, and show bags
- Warehousing and storage services
- Contract packaging and 3PL (pick-and-pack) logistics
- Shrink wrapping and mailing/fulfilment services
- Lawn and garden services: mowing, mulching, weed control
- Textile recycling
This variety means participants can move between roles, try different types of work, and find where their strengths and interests genuinely lie.
Tailored Training and Career Development
Every role at Thorndale Industries comes with trained supervision and tasks modified to suit individual ability. But it doesn't stop at getting the job done.
Participants are supported to build on their skills over time, taking on more responsibility as their confidence grows. This is what separates career development from a one-off placement: the ongoing coaching, the pace matched to the person, and the room to progress.
Building Skills That Transfer
Beyond the specific tasks, participants develop skills that matter well beyond Thorndale Industries: reliability, teamwork, communication, and workplace routine.
These are the foundations of any career, and they're built in an environment designed to support people with disability rather than exclude them.
Confidence, Community, and Belonging
Career growth isn't only measured in job titles. Participants regularly report increased self-esteem, new friendships, and a stronger connection to their local community.
Thorndale also runs a social program alongside its employment services, giving people the chance to unwind and build relationships outside of work hours.
Who Thorndale Industries Serves
Thorndale Industries supports NDIS participants across Werrington, Penrith, St Marys, and the broader Nepean, Hawkesbury, and lower Blue Mountains regions.
Its supported employment programs are open to people at different stages of their working life, whether they're entering the workforce for the first time or looking for a more supportive employment environment.
How to Get Involved
For NDIS participants interested in building a career through supported employment, the first step is a conversation with Thorndale's team about goals and current NDIS plan funding.
Businesses looking to partner commercially, whether for packaging, warehousing, or landscaping services, are also welcome to get in touch.
What Kind of Work Is Available?
Thorndale Industries offers a genuinely varied range of roles, including:
- Packaging and assembly (promotional kits, conference kits, show bags)
- Warehousing and storage services
- Contract packaging and 3PL (pick-and-pack) logistics
- Lawn and garden services: mowing, mulching, weed control
This range means participants can find work that genuinely matches their interests and strengths, rather than being placed in a one-size-fits-all role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can working at Thorndale lead to open employment?
Yes. Supported employment builds core workplace habits, teamwork, and confidence, serving as a practical stepping stone for participants who aspire to transition into the mainstream job market.
What if my NDIS plan doesn't currently include employment funding?
Thorndale’s intake team can guide you through the process of requesting funding under the Finding and Keeping a Job or School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) categories during your next NDIS plan review.
Does Thorndale offer programs specifically for recent high school graduates?
Yes. Thorndale runs a dedicated School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program for young adults aged 15–22, offering work-readiness training, site visits, and practical work experience.
What other NDIS services does Thorndale Foundation offer besides employment?
Thorndale also provides Supported Independent Living (SIL), Short-Term Accommodation (STA) / Respite, Leisure, Living and Life Skills (LLL) programs, and NDIS Social Group Activities.
How do I apply for supported employment at Thorndale?
You can submit an application or make an inquiry by completing the online form at Thorndale ADE Enquiry.
Ready to explore a real career path with Thorndale Industries?
With almost 60 years supporting the Western Sydney disability community, Thorndale Foundation remains one of the region's most established supported employment providers. Get in touch today to find out how Thorndale Industries can help you build skills, earn an income and become part of a supportive team.
Call us: (02) 9912 7800
Email: info@thorndale.com.au
Enquire online: https://www.thorndale.com.au/services/supported-employment