The 64-year-old spent more than 40 years as a labourer and had no plans for a career change or early retirement.

But when a devastating back injury left him unable to work, Jeff soon lost his home, his relationship with this partner and found himself struggling with depression

"I ended up losing everything," he said.

Jeff slowly recovered from the accident and was determined to keep working, but new challenges kept getting in his way.

"I got pretty depressed ... and because I'm dyslexic I found it was a big thing for me to even go into a course to do something new," he said.

Despite these barriers, Jeff was still determined to find work, and when he went to Centrelink he asked what course or services were available to help him.

That's when he was introduced to APM Employment Services and met his employment consultant Troy.

Jeff worked together with Troy to build up his skills so he could complete a course as part of his individual job plan in the disability employment services program.

As well as coaching Jeff through coursework and job searches, Troy was able to provide Jeff motivational support and the use of a computer in the APM office where he could work on achieving his goals.

Soon after completing the course, Jeff had an interview with a local aged care and disability support provider and they were eager to bring him into their team.

Now more than nine months into his role as a carer, Jeff's life and mental health have greatly improved.

"It's been a new beginning for me," Jeff said.

APM Employment Services help thousands of people like Jeff every year from more than 400 locations across Australia.

In the past 12 months more than 14,000 people have been supported into employment by APM, one of Australia's leading providers of disability employment services. For more information visit apm.net.au