The 22-year-old is one of hundreds of people with disability finding employment in Warrnambool, federal government statistics show.

Boating Fishing and Camping assistant manager Simon Nolan admits he had believed there could be challenges employing Riley, but he said those concerns soon proved wrong.

"We thought there might be some challenges and we were giving him simple jobs, but now he pretty much does what any other casual staff member would do," Mr Nolan said.

"I am proud of Riley actually, he has done a pretty good job, we didn't know what to expect but he has fitted in well."

Riley, who has an intellectual disability and was offered the job through employment service EGF, said his work involved keeping an eye on stock, restocking shelves and at times helping customers.

"It makes me feel pretty good about myself," Riley said. "I'm able to be myself."

Riley's mother Karen Bell said her son had grown confident since taking the job.

"I think people like Riley, they are so willing, they will do what's asked of them," Ms Bell said. "Their passion is there, they do want to work, but it's just about giving them the opportunity to prove themselves so they can do the job like everyone else."

The federal Department of Social Services provided $3.76 million to six Warrnambool organisations offering disability employment services in the 2017-18 financial year.

The 349 Warrnambool people who received funding from the program started 426 job placements, meaning 18 per cent of jobs for various reasons were not taken long-term.

The employment service supports a job seeker for 52 weeks, but participants are able to access ongoing support if they are unable to leave the program and work independently.

Of the 349 job seekers who commenced jobs as DES participants in 2017-18, 171 are continuing to receive assistance from a DES provider, a department spokesperson said.

EGF Employment Services general manager Greg Haynes said the business aimed to find long-term employment for people.

"Providers don't get paid merely for placing someone in a job. They actually have to stay in that job for the duration, which is one year," Mr Haynes said.

"People do fall out of work because their condition is exacerbated ... but it could be for other reasons, moving or going back to school."

Mr Nolan encouraged other south-west businesses to be open minded about employing people with disability.

"Don't expect too much too soon, like any employee they should improve with time. And just show patience," he said.

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