SLES Explained: What School Leaver Employment Supports Can Do for You

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is a specialised NDIS employment support for young people with disability who are finishing school. Put simply, SLES is an NDIS-funded program that helps students transition from the structured school environment into the world of work.

It focuses on building practical job readiness skills – such as communication, budgeting, independent travel, and confidence, so that school leavers with disability can move smoothly into employment or further training. SLES is typically accessed through your NDIS plan under the “Finding and Keeping a Job” category and usually runs for up to two years.

For many young people, leaving school can feel overwhelming. SLES provides the bridge by offering tailored support, training, and real-world experience. It’s aimed at young NDIS participants in their final years of secondary school or those who have recently left, giving them a head start on the disability employment pathway.

What Is SLES and Who Is Eligible?

SLES stands for School Leaver Employment Supports. It’s an NDIS program that helps young people prepare for employment by building essential skills, confidence, and independence. Unlike job placement services, SLES focuses on laying the foundation for long-term success in employment.

Who can access SLES?

To be eligible, you must:

• Have an active NDIS plan with employment goals.
• Be in your final years of school or have recently left (typically up to age 22).
• Need extra support to make the transition from school to work.

If you’re unsure about eligibility, speak to your NDIS planner or a support coordinator to discuss adding SLES to your plan.

Core Skills Taught in a SLES Program

SLES programs are personalised but often include training in the following areas:

• Communication and social skills – interacting confidently with co-workers and managers.
• Independent travel – learning to use public transport safely and independently.
• Time management – building habits to stay organised and punctual.
• Money handling and budgeting – understanding wages, budgeting, and managing expenses.
• Digital literacy – gaining computer and workplace software skills.
• Resume writing and interview training – preparing for real job applications.
• Job search strategies – learning how to find and apply for jobs.
• Work experience placements – exploring different roles in real workplace settings.
• Understanding workplace culture – learning rights, responsibilities, and expectations.

These job readiness training activities help fill the gap between school and employment, giving young people confidence and practical skills to step into work.

Real-Life Impact of SLES

Many young people and their families report that SLES is life-changing. By focusing on skill-building and confidence, SLES provides a structured path into meaningful employment. For example, participants often begin with group training and then progress to work experience tailored to their interests.

This real-world experience makes a difference:

• Participants practice independence through supervised travel training.
• They build confidence with mock interviews and resume workshops.
• Many complete SLES ready to move on to Disability Employment Services (DES) for job search support.

As a result, SLES program benefits include greater independence, increased confidence, and clearer career direction. These outcomes make the often daunting step from school to employment more achievable.

How SLES Fits into Your NDIS Plan

SLES is included under NDIS Category 10 – Finding and Keeping a Job. To access it:

1. Discuss your employment goals during your NDIS planning meeting.
2. Ask about adding SLES to your plan.
3. Work with your provider to create a service agreement that outlines your SLES supports.

Funding is usually provided as an annual budget, giving flexibility to mix group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and practical work experience. SLES typically runs for up to two years, supporting your gradual transition to independence.

For more about our NDIS support options, visit our Services page. Our support coordinators can help you tailor a plan that fits your employment goals.

Choosing the Right SLES Provider

Selecting a provider is key to making the most of your SLES funding. Consider:

• Their experience working with young people with disability.
• The range of training and activities they offer.
• Testimonials or feedback from other participants.
• Flexibility to create a personalised program.

At Innovate Disability Cares, we offer tailored employment supports that align with your interests and goals. Learn more about us and how we help young people build disability employment pathways.

SLES vs DES: What’s the Difference?

SLES and DES (Disability Employment Services) work together but serve different purposes:

• SLES: NDIS-funded support for school leavers to build skills and confidence to become “job ready.”
• DES: A government program that helps people who are already job-ready to find and keep employment.

Many participants complete SLES first to gain independence, then move to DES for assistance securing paid work. Think of SLES as preparation and DES as the next step toward employment.

Ready to Begin Your SLES Journey?

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) provide young people with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed after school. By focusing on practical training and personal growth, SLES turns uncertainty into opportunity, helping participants transition smoothly into the workforce.

Ready to explore your options?
Talk to Innovate Disability Cares about enrolling in a SLES program today. Our team can help you include SLES in your NDIS plan and connect you with trusted providers to start your employment journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the SLES program include?
SLES covers capacity-building activities like work experience, travel training, resume workshops, job search coaching, and confidence-building sessions.

How long can you access SLES?
SLES is typically funded for up to two years under your NDIS plan, with flexibility to mix different supports as you progress toward employment.

Is SLES only for Year 12 graduates?
No. SLES is mainly for students finishing Year 12, but it’s also available to younger or older school leavers (up to about age 22) with an NDIS plan.

Can SLES help me get a job?
SLES prepares you for employment by building skills and confidence. Most participants move on to DES for help with job applications and securing paid work.

How is SLES different from DES?
SLES builds job readiness through training and support for school leavers, while DES helps job-ready individuals find and maintain employment.