Employment

As health outcomes improve for people with CF, more individuals and families are exploring education and career options that once seemed out of reach. If you’re considering study or training, WA’s Jobs & Skills Centres offer free advice, career guidance, and information about training courses, including low-fee options. You can also explore Job Jumpstart, SEEK career advice, and Youth Employment Program WA for support with resumes, job placement, and planning your next steps.

Employment for People with CF

Having more career opportunities is a great step forward for people with CF, but it’s important to consider your health needs. Choosing flexible work arrangements and roles that support your wellbeing can help you stay meaningfully involved in the workforce. Research shows that roughly 67 % of adults with CF in Western Australia are in paid employment, though many report their health impacts work attendance or performance. These findings highlight the importance of flexibility and planning in employment for adults with CF.

If your CF needs significantly impact your work capacity, Disability Employment Services (DES) may be an option, though eligibility can vary.

I’ve always been able to hold full time work until I got pretty sick and had to go part time. That was when I started thinking about a career change.

– Adult with CF

How to get started

Entering the workforce for the first time can be overwhelming as you navigate writing a resume, applying for jobs and sitting an interview. Considering your CF needs is also important if you are planning to work, particularly if you are still at school and looking for a job that fits in with your school and homework routine. Some things to think about might be:

Fitting in physio, nebs, exercise and other treatments
Flexibility to take time off when you are unwell or if you have appointments to attend
Exposure to infection or illness (e.g. working at a doctor’s surgery)
Exposure to chemicals, mould or dust

If you are entering the workforce for the first time as an older adult (over 45 years) there are lots of support services available to help you get started. Your maturity and life experience with CF will have given you skills and experience that many employers will value.

You can find more support and information through:

Jobs and Skills WA – Mature Age Services: Resources, training options, and job search support tailored for mature-age job seekers in Western Australia.
Career Transition Assistance: A program by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations designed to build confidence and skills for people aged 45 and over.
Workforce Australia – Support for Older People: Free coaching and employment assistance for mature-age individuals re-entering the workforce.

Signing up with a job agency or employment service can help you find work that suits your needs and lifestyle. They can assist with employment placements, traineeships, work experience placements, on-the-job training and mentoring.

Here are some organisations that offer free or low-cost career support for young people:

Jobs and Skills Centres (WA) – Free career advice, resume and interview help, and training pathways available at TAFE campuses across WA.
Headspace Work and Study – Online and phone support for young people aged 15–25, helping with job searches, study planning, and confidence building.
The Smith Family – Career Programs – Career coaching and mentoring opportunities that connect young people with professionals and workplaces.
Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) – Programs and resources focused on future-of-work skills, confidence, and leadership for young people.
Volunteering WA – Pathways to employment through volunteering placements that help build experience and community connections.

Writing a Resume

Once you’ve chosen an area of interest that suits your routines and interests, it’s time to write your resume. There are plenty of tips and templates online to help. When highlighting your strengths, think about how living with CF has built skills like organisation, communication, empathy, and adaptability.

If you’re new to the workforce, here are some ways to build experience:

Consider unpaid work experience like coaching or umpiring, volunteering with a charity or helping peers or family members with homework, like reading or spelling practice.
Have you done any babysitting, dog walking, pet minding, house-sitting or gardening for friends or family that you could count as work experience?
Try volunteering – platforms like SEEK Volunteer, Go Volunteer, and Volunteering Australia can help you find the right fit.

A resume often includes a referee who can tell a future employer about your skills and strengths. If you haven’t done any work or volunteering before, consider asking a member of the CF team to be your referee.

Disclosing you have CF

It’s your choice whether to tell an employer you have CF. Sharing can help them be more flexible and understanding if you need time off, but it’s best to provide clear, accurate information so they don’t make assumptions. CFWA can also support you with resources or discussions if needed.

Employment for Carers

Many parents and carers of people with CF may have made career choices or sacrifices based on their loved one’s needs. As health outcomes improve or their child becomes more independent, they may now be looking for new work opportunities. Like those with CF, flexible work options can help balance professional goals and family responsibilities. Job agencies can also assist with finding employment, traineeships, work experience, or mentoring.

The modulators have made a difference with regards to future work. I feel like I’m definitely able to work a lot more. I can book work in advance knowing that she is probably going to be okay, and I don’t have to worry about perhaps not being available for that time period.

– Mum of a child with CF

Childcare Support

For both parents with CF andparents caring for a child with CF, accessing childcare can be an important part of balancing health, study, and work commitments. Options may include government assistance through the Child Care Subsidy (CCS), in-home care, or support from extended family and community networks. Linking in early with Centrelink, childcare providers, or a social worker can help you understand what financial assistance and practical supports are available. Exploring these options can make it easier to pursue further education or employment while managing family responsibilities.

To support you in this transition, CFWA also offer CF education for daycare staff caring for a child with CF. For more information visit our Education Page.

Both parents have reduced work to part-time. One parent has decided to study instead as it is more flexible hours, so that we can care for our child more and rely on daycares less.

– Parent of a child with CF