School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
Our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program helps young people with disability transition from school to meaningful employment. Through personalised coaching, real-world work experience, and skill-building, we empower school leavers to explore career pathways and build the confidence to enter the workforce.
What Is SLES?
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is an NDIS-funded program specifically designed for young people in their final year of school or who have recently left school. SLES falls under Capacity Building — Finding and Keeping a Job (Support Category 10) and provides up to two years of intensive, individualised support to help participants develop the skills, experience, and confidence needed to gain and maintain employment. Unlike traditional employment services, SLES takes a holistic approach — it is not just about finding a job, but about preparing the whole person for the world of work. At Ubuntu Support Services, our SLES program is built on the Ubuntu philosophy that every young person has unique strengths, talents, and potential waiting to be unlocked.
Our SLES Program Structure
Our SLES program is structured around four key phases. Phase 1: Discovery — We get to know you, your interests, strengths, aspirations, and support needs through a comprehensive vocational profile. Phase 2: Exploration — You explore different industries, workplaces, and career pathways through workplace visits, job tasting, and informational interviews. Phase 3: Skill Building — You develop essential employability skills including communication, teamwork, time management, workplace safety, and digital literacy through hands-on workshops and real-world practice. Phase 4: Work Experience — You gain genuine work experience through supported placements, volunteer roles, and micro-enterprise opportunities. Throughout all phases, you receive one-on-one coaching from a dedicated SLES coordinator who understands your goals and advocates for your success.
Skills We Develop
Our SLES program covers a comprehensive range of employability and life skills. Workplace skills include resume writing and interview preparation, workplace communication and professional conduct, time management and task organisation, occupational health and safety awareness, using workplace technology and equipment, and understanding employee rights and responsibilities. Life skills that support employment success include travel training and independent transport, money management and budgeting, personal presentation and hygiene, problem-solving and decision-making, self-advocacy and asking for help, and managing stress and workplace relationships. We tailor the program to each participant's goals — whether they aspire to work in hospitality, retail, administration, creative industries, trades, or any other field.
NDIS Funding for SLES
SLES is funded under Capacity Building — Finding and Keeping a Job in your NDIS plan. Participants can typically access SLES funding for up to two years, with the program designed to transition you into open employment or a Disability Employment Service (DES) at completion. To be eligible, you generally need to be in your final year of school (Year 12 or equivalent) or have recently left school, and have employment goals in your NDIS plan. Our team can help you understand your SLES funding, work with your support coordinator and school transition team, and ensure a smooth start to the program. For self-managed and plan-managed participants, you have the flexibility to choose Ubuntu Support Services as your SLES provider. For NDIA-managed participants, our team can help you explore your options and access the support you need.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SLES?
SLES is available to NDIS participants who are in their final year of school or have recently left school (typically aged 17-21) and have employment goals in their NDIS plan. Contact us to discuss your eligibility.
How long does the SLES program last?
SLES funding is typically available for up to two years. The program is designed to progressively build your skills and confidence, with the goal of transitioning to open employment or a Disability Employment Service at completion.
What happens after SLES finishes?
Our goal is for you to transition into paid employment or a Disability Employment Service (DES) that continues to support your career journey. We work with you to plan this transition well in advance and ensure ongoing support is in place.
Can parents or carers be involved in the SLES program?
Absolutely. We encourage family involvement and keep parents and carers informed throughout the program. We also support families to understand workplace expectations and how to encourage independence.
Do you provide work experience placements?
Yes, work experience is a core component of our SLES program. We partner with local businesses across various industries to provide meaningful, supported work placements tailored to your interests and goals.