Leaving school or have a teenager soon to finish up?
As an NDIS participant leaving school, there are all sorts of pathways, supports and services available to to you. School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) help eligible year 12 students and those who've left school (up to the age of 22) prepare for and transition into work after school.
It can be challenging stepping out into the world away from the safety net of school and it's not always obvious knowing which pathway to take.
We've created this page to provide useful tips and information to help you make the right decisions for either yourself or someone you care for. Hear real life stories and learn from experts in the space as they share their insights and advice for this very exciting phase of life.
School leaver, Timothy
"At the end of school I felt scared and, I would just say, nervous about going into the workforce. My disability isn't visible, so people misunderstand me. They don't get me. SLES funding has helped me find the tools to get a job - so, doing a resume, time management, getting to work on time, getting the uniforms and whatever else you need."
Life after school
Planning life after high school can be an exciting time. With the right school leaver employment supports (SLES) and guidance, you can build the confidence you need to transition from school to the workforce.
James from Care Squared Futures shares with us some insights on how to best prepare by addressing some of the common barriers NDIS participants need to navigate when leaving school.
What are SLES?
SLES stands for School Leaver Employment Supports. Funded by the NDIS, these important supports help participants transition from school life to work, by exploring and understanding their work potential and focusing on capacity building, developing skills, independence and confidence to work.
Pathways include:
- further education
- apprenticeship or traineeship
- volunteering
- independent job seeking
- community participation
Choosing the right pathway for you will depend on your employment goals, skills, interests, and personal circumstances.
Our Senior Knowledge Coordinator, Ridhy, shares her top SLES tip
"Discuss your employment plans with your local area coordinator (LAC) or Planner throughout your secondary school years - don't leave it until your final year. This way, you'll have the funding you need to support your transition during the last 6 months of school. "
One of our senior team leaders, Brad, shares his top SLES tip
"Ask for finding and keeping a job category 10 in your NDIS plan. Having this category opens up a range of relevant services for you, but if this category isn't included in your plan, category 15 can be used in ways that can support you to get employment."
How can Plan Partners support you?
As leading providers for both plan management and support coordination, we can help you discover all the options available to support your transition into an independent working life after school.
With us by your side, you can focus on your activities and pathway into work. Have the tools, resources and guidance to ensure your funds are being put towards the best supports to achieve your goals.
SLES FAQS
What are SLES?
SLES stands for School Leaver Employment Supports. Funded by the NDIS, these important supports help participants transition from school life to work, by exploring and understanding their work potential and focusing on capacity building, developing skills, independence and confidence to work.
Who are school leaver employment supports for?
School leaver employment supports are available to NDIS participants in their final year of school and those who've recently left school (up to age 22). They are geared towards helping participants understand their employment potential, and to gain the skills and confidence to work towards their employment goals.
When is funding for SLES included in a plan?
Funding is based on an individual's employment goals, personal circumstances and reports/assessments provided during a planning meeting.
How can school leavers with a disability join the NDIS?
If you're leaving school and you're not currently an NDIS participant, you need to meet NDIS eligibility criteria and complete and submit an access request.
What type of supports can participants expect to receive?
Any school leaver employment supports you receive need to be tailored to your employment goals. Providers should create individualised supports to help you transition from school to work, engaging with your families and carers around your goals. Supports may be geared towards developing ‘hard and soft skills’ and include:
- social and business communication
- money management
- travel training
- personal hygiene and personal presentation
- workplace norms, behaviours and expectations
- understanding rights and responsibilities in the workplace
- teamwork
- decision making and problem solving
- planning and organising
- working independently
- time management and prioritising
- conflict resolution and negotiation
- building resilience
- accountability
- flexibility
- self motivation and self determination
- computer literacy
- life skills and personal administration
- how you can sell yourself and your unique service offering
- resume preparation and job search strategies
- submitting a job application
- interview preparation
- recruitment paperwork preparation
- preparing for your first day and induction
A guide to School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
Find out who is eligible, how funding works and who provides supports.
Find out more
