All About School Leavers Disability Employment: Empowering People With Disabilities to Start Their Career

The transition from school to work is an exciting but challenging time for anyone, and for school leavers with disabilities, this transition can be even more complex. The School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program is designed specifically to help young people with disabilities enter the workforce successfully. Aligning with the goals of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), SLES aims to empower individuals by providing the skills and support they need to thrive in employment.

Let’s take a closer look at SLES, what it is, how it works, and how it can help young people with disabilities start a rewarding career.

What is School Leavers Employment Support (SLES)?

School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) is a government-funded program aimed at supporting school leavers with disabilities in their transition to work. The primary purpose of SLES is to provide young people with the necessary skills, work experience, and ongoing support to succeed in the workforce, whether within a Supported Employment Enterprise or the open labour market.
SLES helps school leavers by offering tailored services that focus on skill-building, practical job experience, and personal development, which are crucial in establishing a successful career.

Eligibility for SLES

To be eligible for SLES, school leavers must be NDIS participants. Specifically, they need to meet the criteria set out in their NDIS plan, which includes funding allocated for employment support. This support typically covers training, work experience, workplace excursions, and other activities related to skill-building.

Here’s a quick overview of eligibility:

NDIS Participants: Individuals aged 15 to 24 who are already receiving NDIS funding for employment support can access the SLES program.

Funding Coverage: The NDIS covers a variety of support needs through SLES, including personal care, mobility aids, transport assistance, and any other needs to ensure that the individual can participate in the workforce.

Thorndale Foundation helps guide participants through the process of applying for SLES services, ensuring they access the full scope of available support under their NDIS plan.

What Does NDIS Funding Cover for SLES?

The NDIS funding for School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) covers a wide range of services aimed at preparing school leavers with disabilities for the workforce. The funding is designed to provide tailored support that helps individuals develop the necessary skills and gain real-world experience. Here's a breakdown of what NDIS-funded SLES covers:

Work experience: Practical, hands-on experience in different workplace environments.

Workplace excursions: Visits to local businesses and industries to explore potential career options.

Skill-building activities: Developing essential job-related skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.

Team-building exercises: Activities to encourage social interaction and collaboration in the workplace.

Problem-solving activities: Training to improve critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

Work health and safety training: Ensuring participants are well-prepared to work safely in various environments.

Job search support: Assistance in finding employment, including resume writing and interview preparation.

These services are fully funded by the NDIS as part of a School Leavers Employment Support plan, ensuring that participants receive the resources and guidance they need to succeed in their careers.

How SLES Benefits School Leavers

The SLES program offers numerous long-term benefits that help school leavers with disabilities gain meaningful employment. Here’s how it benefits participants:

Skill-building: SLES helps participants develop crucial job skills, including communication, teamwork, and time management.
Real-world job experience: Participants gain hands-on experience, boosting their confidence and employability.
Independence: SLES encourages independence, empowering school leavers to take ownership of their work and career path.
Teamwork: Team-building activities foster collaboration, helping participants succeed in a workplace environment.
Long-term career support: Through ongoing support and mentorship, SLES helps participants build a sustainable career.

For many, SLES isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about establishing a pathway for long-term success in the workforce for people with disabilities.

What SLES Programs Does Thorndale Offer?

At Thorndale Foundation, we offer comprehensive NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Support services tailored to the needs and aspirations of each participant. Our SLES program includes:

Work experience: Hands-on, practical experience in various industries to help build skills and confidence.
Workplace excursions: Visits to local workplaces to explore different career options and industries.
Team-building exercises: Activities that enhance social interaction and collaboration.
Problem-solving activities: Training to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the workplace.
Work health and safety training: Ensuring participants are prepared to work safely in any environment.

Our SLES services in Western Sydney are designed to give young people with disabilities the tools they need to start their careers, with tailored support every step of the way.

How to Apply for SLES

Applying for the School Leavers Employment Support program is easy. Here’s how to get started:

1. Contact Thorndale Foundation: Reach out to us for more information on eligibility and to discuss how we can help.

2. Provide your NDIS plan: Share your NDIS plan with us so we can assess what services are required.

3. Set your goals: Meet with one of our team members to discuss your goals, interests, and career aspirations.

4. Get started: Begin your SLES journey, developing valuable skills and gaining work experience as you transition into employment.

For more information or to begin your SLES journey, contact Thorndale Foundation today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) is a vital program that provides young people with disabilities the skills and support they need to transition from school to the workforce. Through tailored services like work experience, workplace excursions, and team-building activities, SLES equips participants with the tools to thrive in a workplace environment. The NDIS funding for SLES covers crucial aspects such as job search support, problem-solving training, and work health and safety, ensuring participants are well-prepared for employment. Thorndale Foundation offers a comprehensive SLES program that focuses on skill-building and real-world job experience, empowering school leavers to pursue long-term career goals. Whether you're seeking SLES services in Western Sydney or need NDIS-funded School Leaver Employment Support, Thorndale is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to get started on your journey towards a fulfilling career.