Leaving school is a significant milestone, but for many young people living with disability, it can also feel overwhelming. What comes next? How do you go from school routines to building a meaningful career? That’s where School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) can make a real difference.

If you’re an NDIS participant finishing school, or supporting someone who is, this blog will help you understand what SLES is, how it works, and how Newcastle Social Workers can help you make the most of it.

What is SLES?

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is an NDIS-funded program that supports young people in transitioning from school to employment. It’s designed for NDIS participants who need extra time, skills, and confidence before stepping into the workforce.

SLES usually runs for up to two years after finishing Year 12 and focuses on building real-world skills in a supportive environment. It’s a personalised service that helps school leavers get work-ready, on their own terms.

Who Is Eligible for SLES?

You may be eligible for SLES if you:

• Are in your final year of high school, or have recently finished
• Have an NDIS plan that includes employment goals
• Need additional support to prepare for open or supported employment
• Are not quite ready to enter a Disability Employment Service (DES)

If you’re not sure whether SLES is right for you, a Support Coordinator or NDIS planner can help assess your needs and goals.

What Can SLES Help You With?

SLES is flexible and tailored to your individual strengths and goals. It may include:

• Work experience placements in different industries
• Help with travel training, including how to use public transport independently
• Job-seeking skills, like resume writing and interview practice
• Time management, organisation, and routine-building
• Social skills, workplace communication, and teamwork
• Goal setting, career exploration, and confidence building

The aim is to help young people feel capable and prepared, not rushed or overwhelmed.

What’s the Difference Between SLES and DES?

SLES is pre-employment support, ideal for school leavers who need more time to develop the skills and confidence required for work. It’s all about preparation.

DES (Disability Employment Services) focuses on job placement and retention, helping people who are ready to look for work or who are already employed.

Some participants start with SLES and later transition into DES once they feel job-ready.

Including SLES in Your NDIS Plan

To access SLES, it needs to be included in your NDIS plan. That means:

• Clearly stating employment as a goal
• Requesting Capacity Building supports under “Finding and Keeping a Job”
• Speaking with your Support Coordinator, Recovery Coach, or planner to ensure SLES is added

Example goals for your NDIS plan might be:

• “I want to build the skills and confidence to get a part-time job.”
• “I want to explore different career paths before starting work.”
• “I want to practise travelling to and from work using public transport.”

How Newcastle Social Workers Can Support Your SLES Journey

At Newcastle Social Workers, we work closely with school leavers, families, and SLES providers to ensure you get the proper support in place. We can help by:

• Advocating for your employment goals in NDIS planning meetings
• Coordinating with SLES providers to ensure the program meets your needs
• Supporting emotional well-being during your transition from school
• Helping you build routines, confidence, and workplace readiness over time

We believe employment is about more than just getting a job; it’s about building a life of purpose and possibility.

Contact us today to talk about your next steps after school and how SLES can support your journey toward meaningful employment.