RecruitAble is a collaborative initiative developed by Get Skilled Access (GSA) and Randstad, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. The program set out to design, test and implement a scalable model for inclusive recruitment across mainstream employers and recruitment agencies.
Over a three-year pilot, RecruitAble delivered training, culture audits, inclusive recruitment reviews, job seeker resources, and real job placements.
The result? A confident new model that supports skilled candidates with disability to access mainstream jobs, based on readiness, capability, and opportunity.
Despite progress in many areas, employment remains a major barrier for Australians with disability. As of 2024, only 56.1% of working-age Australians with disability are employed, compared to 82.3% without disability.
While talent exists, confidence and capability gaps among employers and recruiters often stand in the way. RecruitAble was designed to shift this.
By equipping recruiters and employers with knowledge, confidence and tools, and by providing real opportunities to skilled candidates with disability, the program has helped redefine inclusive recruitment as good recruitment.
GSA designed and delivered comprehensive training for 425 recruiters and 349 employer staff across seven participating organisations. The training focused on understanding disability beyond stereotypes, challenging unconscious bias, creating inclusive job ads, and supporting equitable processes.
I never had the chance to work with clients with disability before. This gave me tools I didn’t have.
Training included 12 online modules, face-to-face workshops, real-world case studies, and videos featuring people with disability sharing their lived experience. Recruiters and employers described the training as eye-opening, accessible, and impactful.
Randstad and GSA worked together to redesign recruitment processes for accessibility. This included new guidelines on inclusive job ads, alternative application formats, flexible interview options, and guidance on workplace adjustments.
We could just hire the right candidate. Randstad had screened them, and we knew they met our criteria. No guesswork.
Recruiters developed tailored checklists and learned to prioritise inherent role requirements while supporting candidates through the process. Inclusive Culture Health Checks also gave employers actionable recommendations for systemic improvement.
GSA and Randstad developed a suite of practical resources as part of RecruitAble to support job seekers with disability throughout their employment journey. These resources were designed to help candidates build confidence, prepare strong applications, and navigate mainstream recruitment processes with clarity and self-assurance.
It made me realise I could put myself forward with more confidence. I finally had the right tools and support.
The tools included guidance on crafting a compelling CV, preparing for interviews, personal branding through social media, and more. They were created in multiple accessible formats to ensure ease of use for all. By equipping job seekers with these tailored supports, RecruitAble strengthened not only individual confidence but also readiness for real opportunities in inclusive workplaces.
7 organisations participated in Inclusive Culture Health Checks, recruitment audits, and leadership engagement. Employers valued the tailored approach, with changes observed in job design, team awareness, and internal processes.
We had real conversations about each role. Could we teach this skill? Could we adjust that requirement?
Employers also noted a shift in their teams’ confidence when interviewing and supporting candidates with disability, especially when practical support was available.
Roles were identified across participating organisations
were filled by job seekers with disability
diverse organisations involved
employer staff completed training
Randstad recruiters, hiring managers and colleagues (employees organisation wide) completed the GSA disability inclusion training
Recruiters reported greater awareness of bias, better understanding of disability, and more inclusive practices
Job seekers described feeling respected and valued
Several reported it was their first time being treated “like any other candidate”
Nobody asked about my disability. They asked about my skills. That was a first.
RecruitAble demonstrated that meaningful change is possible, but also highlighted where future efforts can go further.
RecruitAble proves that inclusive recruitment can be embedded into mainstream processes. For future success, the model must be adapted to better reach untapped talent, increase follow-up support, and deepen partnerships across sectors.
Get Skilled Access is proud to have co-designed RecruitAble and to support its continued growth. We invite employers, recruiters and partners to help shape the next chapter of inclusive employment in Australia.
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