Leaving school brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

For many young people with disability, the transition from school into employment feels challenging. Questions about confidence, work skills, travel, communication, and independence often become part of the conversation.

This is where School Leaver Employment Supports SLES helps bridge the gap.

The program supports young people as they move from education into employment pathways suited to their strengths, goals, and abilities. Instead of rushing into work without preparation, participants build practical skills and confidence step by step.

For families, carers, and participants, understanding how SLES works makes planning for the future much easier.

What Is School Leaver Employment Supports SLES?

School Leaver Employment Supports SLES is an NDIS program designed to help young people transition from school into employment.

The support focuses on building practical work readiness skills before entering open employment or other long term pathways.

SLES usually supports students in their final years of school or shortly after leaving school. The program is tailored to individual goals and support needs.

Rather than focusing only on finding a job quickly, SLES aims to build confidence, independence, and capacity over time.

Participants develop skills needed for real workplace environments while exploring career interests and future opportunities.

What Does SLES Funding Cover?

SLES funding is flexible and designed around individual employment goals.

Supports often include:

• Job readiness training
• Communication skill development
• Resume preparation
• Interview practice
• Workplace behaviour training
• Confidence building
• Work experience opportunities
• Travel training for work
• Time management skills
• Social interaction support

The program focuses strongly on skill development and independence rather than ongoing long term employment support alone.

Each participant’s plan differs based on goals, strengths, and support requirements.

Why Employment Preparation Matters

Starting work involves much more than technical skills.

Many young people need support learning how workplaces operate, how to communicate professionally, and how to manage routines independently.

For participants with disability, additional barriers sometimes exist, including:

• Anxiety around new environments
• Communication challenges
• Limited confidence
• Difficulties using public transport
• Limited work experience
• Social interaction concerns

SLES addresses these challenges through practical learning and gradual skill building.

This creates a stronger foundation for long term employment success.

What Are Common School Leaver Goals?

Every participant enters the program with different aspirations.

Some young people want paid employment immediately. Others want to explore industries, improve social confidence, or build independent living skills before entering the workforce.

Common school leaver goals include:

• Getting a part time job
• Learning workplace communication
• Building confidence in public settings
• Improving travel independence
• Developing time management skills
• Completing work experience
• Exploring career interests
• Preparing for vocational education

Goals should remain realistic, achievable, and personalised to the participant’s circumstances.

The Importance of Travel Training for Work

Getting to work independently is often one of the biggest concerns for participants and families.

Travel training for work helps young people develop confidence using:

• Public transport
• Ride share services
• Walking routes
• Travel schedules
• Safety strategies

This training supports independence far beyond employment alone.

For example, a participant who learns to navigate public transport independently gains greater access to community activities, education, and social opportunities as well.

Travel confidence often becomes a major milestone in the transition to adulthood.

How NDIS Employment Supports Build Confidence

Confidence plays a major role in employment success.

Many young people worry about:

• Making mistakes
• Social interactions
• Managing responsibilities
• Starting conversations
• Coping with workplace expectations

NDIS employment supports focus on gradual learning rather than pressure.

Participants often begin with smaller goals before progressing into more complex tasks.

For example, someone may first practise workplace communication during role play sessions before participating in work experience placements.

Small achievements build momentum over time.

Real Life Example of SLES in Action

Consider a participant named Liam.

Liam recently finished school and wanted to work in hospitality. While he enjoyed cooking, he struggled with confidence and public transport.

Through School Leaver Employment Supports SLES, Liam received support with:

• Resume preparation
• Interview practice
• Workplace communication
• Travel training
• Time management
• Hospitality work experience

At first, Liam needed support attending placements and managing routines. Over time, he learned to travel independently, communicate more confidently, and manage workplace expectations.

Several months later, he secured part time employment at a local café.

The process took patience and consistency, but the gradual approach helped Liam build lasting confidence and practical skills.

What Makes Effective SLES Support?

Strong SLES providers focus on individual strengths rather than limitations.

Effective support includes:

Personalised Goal Setting

No two participants follow the same pathway.

Support should reflect individual interests, communication styles, and career goals.

Practical Learning

Participants benefit most from real world experiences.

This may include:

• Workplace visits
• Mock interviews
• Community activities
• Work placements
• Travel practice

Practical learning builds confidence faster than theory alone.

Encouragement Without Pressure

Transitioning into work takes time.

Some participants progress quickly. Others require longer periods of skill development and confidence building.

Support should encourage growth without creating unnecessary stress.

Collaboration With Families and Schools

Families, schools, therapists, and support providers often work together during the transition process.

Strong communication between everyone involved creates better outcomes for participants.

How Families Can Support the Transition Into Work

Families play an important role during this stage of life.

Helpful strategies include:

• Encouraging independence gradually
• Supporting realistic goal setting
• Celebrating progress
• Allowing room for mistakes and learning
• Promoting confidence in daily routines

The goal is to support growth while encouraging the young person to take increasing ownership of their future.

Employment Pathways Look Different for Everyone

There is no single pathway into employment.

Some participants move directly into paid work. Others begin with volunteering, training programs, or work experience before progressing further.

Success should not be measured only by immediate employment outcomes.

Building confidence, independence, communication skills, and routine management are all important achievements.

Long term success often starts with small practical steps.

Supporting Young People Into the Future

The transition from school into employment brings challenges, growth, and new opportunities. With the right guidance, young people gain the skills and confidence needed to move towards greater independence and meaningful employment pathways.

At Arise Community Support Services, we provide personalised NDIS employment supports focused on confidence building, practical skill development, and long term independence. Our team works closely with participants and families to create supportive pathways from school into future employment opportunities.

The right support helps young people move forward with confidence, purpose, and greater independence.