Senior school students who have a disability or learning difficulty may face unique challenges when transitioning from school to the workforce. To help support these students, NDIS offer a range of funding options, including the Youth Employment Assistance funding, also referred to as School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program.
What is Youth Employment Assistance or SLES?
The Youth Employment Assistance funding or School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program is a funding initiative designed to help senior school students or school leavers with a disability or learning difficulty transition from school to work. It aims to provide young people with the skills and experience they need to find and maintain employment after leaving school.
The funding is available to eligible students aged 17-21 who have a NDIS plan with funding for employment supports. The program offers a range of supports and services, including:
Career coaching and planning: SLES providers can work with students to identify their strengths and interests, explore potential career paths, and develop a plan to achieve their employment goals.
Work experience: SLES funding can be used to support students to gain work experience in a range of industries and job types. This can include job shadowing, work trials, and supported work experience placements.
Training and development: SLES providers can help students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace. This can include training in areas such as communication, time management, and workplace health and safety.
Job search support: SLES providers can assist students with job applications, resume writing, and interview skills. They can also connect students with potential employers and help to negotiate reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
How to access employment support funding under the NDIS
To access employment assitance, students must first have an NDIS plan with funding for employment supports. Students can then work with their NDIS planner or support coordinator to find a suitable SLES provider. There are a range of providers available across Australia, including government, not-for-profit, and private organisations.
Once a provider has been selected, the student and their SLES provider will work together to develop a plan that outlines the supports and services that will be provided. This plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it is meeting the student’s needs and helping them to achieve their employment goals.
Benefits of Youth Employment Assistance or SLES funding
The employment supports program offers a range of benefits for senior school students with a disability or learning difficulty. These include:
Increased confidence and self-esteem: Through the SLES program, students can gain valuable work experience, develop new skills, and build their confidence and self-esteem.
Improved employability: By participating in the SLES program, students can improve their employability and increase their chances of finding and maintaining employment after leaving school.
Tailored support: SLES providers work with students to develop a plan that is tailored to their individual needs and goals, ensuring that they receive the support and services that they need to succeed.
Positive outcomes: The SLES program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants, with many students successfully finding and maintaining employment after completing the program.
Youth Employment Assistance or SLES funding can be a valuable resource for senior school students or school leavers with a disability or learning difficulty. By providing tailored support and a range of services, the program can help students to build the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workplace and achieve their employment goals. If you or someone you know is eligible for SLES funding, it’s worth exploring the options available and finding a provider that can offer the support and services needed to succeed.
Care Squared Futures
Care Squared Futures provide one on one employability supports to those with SLES or employment goals in their NDIS plan. Our accredited allied health clinicians can come to the student’s school, home or preferred community space, such as the local library, to help plan for the transition from school to work life.
Speak to our Care Squared Futures team on how we can support you in your schooling and career planning journey.