Mainstream programmes - info for Employment Service providers

Our Mainstream programmes help our clients with disabilities into work. As an Employment Service provider, you'll work with the client and employer to find a suitable role for them and provide ongoing support.

About the Mainstream programmes

We have 2 Mainstream programmes:

  • Mainstream Employment programme
    • Runs for up to one year.
    • Can help clients get paid work experience and a long-term job.
  • Mainstream Internship programme
    • Runs for 4-12 weeks.
    • For clients who are studying, or studied in the last 12 months.
    • Clients have an opportunity to work in a field related to their study.

These programmes support disabled people to get paid work experience and into a long-term job.

If you support a client to join one of these programmes, you’ll:

  • work with employers to find or create a role that suits the client's skills and capabilities
  • place the client into the role as paid work experience and they'll train in the job
  • provide ongoing support to the client and the employer while the client is on placement.

We'll pay the employer a wage subsidy and help with extra training or costs related to the client's disability and role. The type of funding and how much we'll pay depends on what programme the client's in.

Ideally, the client will get the opportunity to have an ongoing job at the end of their placement, unless they find another job elsewhere.

Mainstream Employment programme - information for clients
Mainstream Internship programme - information for clients

How to place someone from a Mainstream programme

  • 1. Find a suitable job for the client

    If a client wants to join a Mainstream programme, they'll contact you.

    First, check if there's anything else we offer that could support them into work. This could be a Flexi-wage or other support. If they don't qualify for anything else, you can support them to join the programme.

  • 2. Manage the application process

    Get the application form completed

    Once you've found a suitable position, you need to ask the client and employer to complete the application form and an Employee Development Plan.

    You need to check that:

    • the application form is completed in full
    • you, the client and employer have signed the form
    • you have a completed Employee Development Plan.

    The employer needs to:

    • confirm what funding they need help with, eg training, equipment or costs related to the client's disability
    • provide quotes for the funding
    • confirm how much the client will be paid (they should get the same amount as others doing similar work).

    If the application's completed in full, it will help us confirm the client meets the criteria for funding and makes it easier for us to draft a contract with the employer.

    Send the application form to us

    Email or post the application form to us along with any documents we need, eg:

    • the Employee Development Plan
    • the client's CV
    • quotes for training or equipment.

    The application form needs to be sent at least 21 working days before the client is due to start their placement. This will give us time to assess the application and draft a contract with the employer.

    We'll process the application and let you know the outcome.

    Confirm placement details

    Once you know the outcome, you can contact the client and employer to let them know.

    You'll need to arrange the placement details with them at the same time.

  • 3. Provide on-going support

    While the person's on placement, you'll need to:

    • help them with orientation in the workplace if they need it
    • have regular catch ups with them to see how they're going
    • support them and the employer with any issues that may come up
    • identify any employment opportunities for them while they're on placement.

  • 4. Complete progress reports

    We may ask you to provide us with a progress report every 3 months to tell us how the client's doing.

  • Questions or concerns

    If you have any questions or you're interested in taking part, you can email us