Quick Answer: What Is School Leaver Employment Supports NDIS (SLES)?
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES), funded under an NDIS plan, provide individualised support for young people with disability who are leaving school. The SLES program usually runs for up to two years and helps participants build life skills, focus on gaining work experience, and grow the confidence needed to enter the workforce.
At Re.Connect Support Services, we see SLES as a bridge between education and the world of school leaver employment.
Why the Transition After Leaving School Matters
For many students and their family, the final years of school are full of excitement and uncertainty. Young adults often share that stepping into the workplace without preparation feels daunting. The SLES program helps ease this transition, offering structure, mentoring, and a safe place to explore interests.
SLES programs also support schools by providing a structured transition process for their students, helping schools ensure their students are well-prepared for employment after graduation.
The Purpose of School Leaver Employment Supports from NDIS
The NDIS school leaver employment supports NDIS are designed to:
- Build everyday skills like time management and money handling
- Offer training and work experience to prepare for employment
- Support social interaction and community participation
- Provide a personalised plan tailored to each participant’s goals
- Encourage independence and confidence for the future
SLES has a strong focus on tailoring supports to each participant’s unique goals and aspirations.
A Client’s Story: Building Confidence Through Exploration
When Liam finished school, he wasn’t sure what came next. With the right support, he tried different industries — retail, admin, hospitality. Over time, he realised hospitality matched his interests and abilities. After completing his SLES program, Liam felt ready to take on new responsibilities in the workplace.
Who Is Eligible for Leaver Employment Supports?
Eligibility for SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports)
You may meet the eligibility criteria for SLES if you:
- Are aged up to 22
- Have an NDIS plan with SLES funding included
- Are in your final years of school or have just finished
- Need extra employment supports before being job-ready
👉 Families often share (on forums like Reddit) that starting the process early — even in Year 11 — helps students access SLES smoothly and begin with confidence.
What Does the SLES Program Include?
The leaver employment supports SLES and related services re flexible and shaped by each participant’s goals. Typical supports include:
- Resume and job preparation
- Work experience placements with employers
- Mentoring on teamwork and workplace responsibilities
- Skills for money handling and time management
- Travel training for independence
- Everyday life skills like cooking and communication
👉 Case story: Sophie used her personalised plan to practise interviews weekly. Within a year, she landed her first café job.
Why Life Skills Matter
Employment supports go beyond jobs. They also build independence and essential skills like time management . Young adults who learn life skills like budgeting and daily planning are better prepared to balance responsibilities when they enter the workforce.
Parents often reflect that these everyday abilities are just as important as formal training or qualifications because they create a foundation for long-term success.
How Long Does SLES Last?
The SLES program usually runs for up to two years, but the pace depends on each participant. Some move quickly, while others take more time to develop skills.
👉 Example: Ethan used his first week to practise social interaction before starting any work experience. Small steps made a big difference.
How Does SLES Work in Practice?
Here’s what the process often looks like to help participants succeed :
- Discuss the option of school leaver employment supports in your NDIS plan meeting.
- Connect with an SLES provider who can build a personalised plan.
- Begin with mentoring, training, and community-based learning.
- Explore work experience opportunities linked to your interests.
- Review progress regularly with your support team.
SLES also helps participants understand what it means to be an employee, including workplace expectations, job responsibilities, and professional behaviour.
Choosing an SLES Provider
Selecting the right SLES provider is a key step for young people with disabilities who are leaving school and preparing for the next stage of their journey. A quality SLES provider will have proven experience in delivering school leaver employment supports and a deep understanding of disability employment services. Look for a provider who offers individualised support, listens to your goals, and has a strong record of helping school leavers transition successfully into the workforce.
The best SLES providers offer a wide range of employment supports, from hands-on work experience and skills training to ongoing mentoring and guidance. They should be able to connect you with local employers, tailor their services to your interests, and support you every step of the way as you develop the skills needed for employment. By choosing a provider who truly understands your needs and aspirations, you’ll be better positioned to achieve your goals and build a fulfilling future.
Individualised Support Planning
A cornerstone of the SLES program is its commitment to individualised support planning. This means that every participant receives a plan designed specifically for their unique strengths, interests, and employment goals. The planning process is a team effort, involving the participant, their family, and support professionals, ensuring that everyone’s insights and aspirations are included.
An individualised support plan outlines the specific services and supports needed to help each young person develop the skills and confidence required for the workforce. These plans are flexible and regularly reviewed, so they can adapt as the participant grows and their goals evolve. With this personalised approach, participants are empowered to build knowledge, gain experience, and take meaningful steps toward achieving their employment dreams.
Multidisciplinary Care in SLES
The SLES program takes a holistic approach by bringing together a multidisciplinary team to support each participant’s journey. This team might include employment consultants, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other specialists, all working together to provide comprehensive care. By drawing on a range of expertise, SLES providers can address not just employment skills, but also any personal or practical challenges that might affect a young person’s ability to succeed in the workforce.
This collaborative approach ensures that participants receive well-rounded support, helping them develop the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed for employment. Multidisciplinary care means that every aspect of a participant’s development is considered, making it easier for them to achieve their goals and thrive in their chosen path.
The Role of Local Employment Advisors
Local employment advisors are a vital part of the SLES program, offering expert guidance and support tailored to each participant’s journey. These advisors work closely with young people to help them identify their strengths, interests, and career aspirations, and then develop a personalised plan to reach those goals.
Employment advisors provide access to a variety of employment supports, including work experience placements, skills training, and one-on-one mentoring. They also help participants understand the local job market, build confidence, and develop the knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. By working with a local employment advisor, participants can explore different job options, gain valuable experience, and take confident steps toward achieving their long-term employment ambitions.
Why Confidence Is the Core Outcome
The most consistent feedback from families is that SLES helps young people believe in themselves and achieve their personal goal . While gaining a job is a key outcome, the growth in confidence, independence, and willingness to explore is just as valuable.
SLES vs. Disability Employment Services
- SLES: Focuses on preparation — life skills, training, and mentoring for school leavers.
- Disability Employment Services (DES): For those already job-ready, helping them secure and keep employment.
👉 Maya’s story: Maya used her time in SLES to build teamwork and communication skills. After two years, she transitioned to DES, where she found part-time admin work.
Measuring Progress and Celebrating Achievements
- Personalised plans set clear goals
- Progress reviewed quarterly
- Evidence includes reports, skills milestones, and employer feedback
👉 James’s example: For him, the biggest milestone wasn’t landing a job, but travelling independently to his work experience placement two days a week.
Benefits of School Leaver Employment Supports
- Builds independence through life skills
- Encourages community engagement and social interaction
- Tailors support to each school leaver’s interests
- Helps families feel confident about the future
At Re.Connect, we see SLES as more than a program — it’s a journey of growth that celebrates every achievement, big or small.
NDIS funding enables access to these comprehensive supports and opportunities for school leavers.
Insights from Families and Online Discussions
We often hear three common points echoed both in our community and in online forums:
- Preparation early matters — planning ahead helps students begin strongly.
- Routine eases anxiety — the structure of SLES helps young people feel grounded after leaving school.
- The provider’s role is crucial — outcomes improve when the SLES provider tailors support to individual abilities and connects with local employers.
If you or your family are interested in SLES, we encourage you to seek information and start the process as early as possible.
The Role of Families and Support Teams
The success of SLES is often linked to the encouragement and involvement of family and the broader team of supporters who help the client stay motivated . Parents, carers, and mentors help participants stay motivated, celebrate milestones, and keep focused on the future.
👉 Families often tell us that being part of the journey helps them feel reassured that their school leaver is not only supported but also learning to take ownership of their progress.
Community Connections Through SLES
Beyond the workplace, SLES also opens doors into the community. Many participants volunteer, join local groups, or take part in community-based activities that develop social interaction and build real-world confidence.
These experiences are just as valuable as work experience, helping young people see their place in society and understand how their abilities can make a difference.
What Happens After SLES?
After the SLES program, participants may:
- Move into Disability Employment Services
- Continue with further education or training
- Join supported or open workplace roles
- Volunteer in the community
How to Access SLES Through an NDIS Plan
- Bring it up during your NDIS planning meeting
- Provide school reports, transition goals, and other evidence
- Discuss the best pathway with your support team and chosen SLES provider
- Contact Re.Connect Support Services for guidance or to discuss your options for accessing SLES
FAQs About School Leaver Employment Supports from NDIS
- How long does the SLES program last? → Up to two years, depending on the participant’s individual needs and progress. The program is flexible to accommodate different learning paces and goals.
- Can SLES combine with other supports? → Yes, SLES can be combined with other NDIS-funded supports such as therapies, counselling, and assistive technologies to provide a holistic approach tailored to each participant’s requirements.
- What happens after SLES? → After completing the SLES program, participants have several options including transitioning to Disability Employment Services (DES), pursuing further education or training, entering supported or open employment, or engaging in community volunteering and activities.
- Is every plan the same? → No, each SLES plan is personalised with individualised support designed to meet the unique strengths, interests, and goals of the participant. This ensures the best possible outcomes for each young person.
Many families and participants ask about accessing SLES. The first step is discussing School Leaver Employment Supports during the NDIS planning meeting, bringing relevant documents like school reports and transition goals. Working closely with your NDIS planner and SLES provider helps create a clear plan tailored to the participant’s goals.
SLES emphasizes practical learning through supported work experience and community engagement, helping participants build workplace skills, confidence, and connections with local employers to prepare for sustainable employment and independent living.
Final Reflection
At Re.Connect Support Services, we’ve seen the power of school leaver employment supports first-hand. They give young people the chance to build skills, explore their interests, and grow in confidence.
While every journey looks different, one thing is constant: with the right support, school leavers can prepare for the workforce, achieve milestones, and take meaningful steps toward their future.
