How School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) Helps Young People with Disability Build Their Future

School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) is one of the most important NDIS pathways available to young Australians with disability. Designed specifically for school leavers aged 17 to 22, SLES provides the practical skills, work experience, and confidence young people need to move from the classroom into meaningful employment or further education.

At Thorndale Foundation, we have supported hundreds of young people across NSW through our School Leavers Employment Support program. Whether your young person is unsure about their next steps, eager to find work, or still building daily living skills, our team is here to help them find their path.

In this article, we explain what SLES is, how it is funded through the NDIS, and how Thorndale's program supports young people to thrive after school.

What Is School Leavers Employment Support (SLES)?

School Leavers Employment Support is a dedicated NDIS-funded program that bridges the gap between school and the workforce for young people with disability. Unlike other employment supports, SLES is specifically tailored to the transitional period immediately following secondary school — a time that can feel overwhelming for many young people and their families.

SLES focuses on building the skills that employers look for, including:

• Job readiness and workplace behaviour

• Resume writing, interview skills, and job searching

• Work experience in real workplace environments

• Travel training and independence skills

• Time management, communication, and teamwork

• Personal care and daily living routines relevant to work

SLES is not just about finding a job — it's about helping young people develop confidence, self-advocacy, and the life skills they need to participate meaningfully in their community and in the workforce.

Who Is SLES For?

SLES is available to young Australians with disability who are leaving secondary school and have NDIS funding. To be eligible for SLES, a young person generally:

• Is aged between 17 and 22

• Has an NDIS plan with Capacity Building — Supports for Employment funding

• Is transitioning from school into employment, training, or further education

It is important to begin planning for SLES before your young person's final year of school. We recommend reaching out to Thorndale or a Support Coordinator at least 12 months before leaving school to ensure SLES is included in the NDIS plan.

How Long Does SLES Last?

SLES funding is available for up to two years following a young person's departure from school. This gives participants time to build skills progressively and at their own pace, without the pressure of rushing into employment before they are ready.

Some young people use the full two years before transitioning into Supported Employment or open employment. Others may be ready to move on sooner. At Thorndale, we work at each participant's individual pace, ensuring they are genuinely prepared for the next chapter.

How Is SLES Funded Through the NDIS?

SLES is funded under Capacity Building — Supports for Employment in the NDIS. This funding category is separate from Core Supports and is specifically designed to build a participant's ability to find and maintain employment.

To access SLES funding, it needs to be included in your young person's NDIS plan. Here is how to make that happen:

1. Contact Thorndale to discuss your young person's goals and how SLES can support them.

2. Gather any relevant reports from school (such as transition planning documents or evidence of disability) to support your plan request.

3. At the NDIS planning meeting, ask specifically for SLES funding under Capacity Building — Supports for Employment.

4. Once funding is approved, contact Thorndale to begin the enrolment process and get started.

If you are unsure how to navigate this process, our team at Thorndale is happy to help you prepare for your planning meeting.

Thorndale's School Leavers Employment Support Program in NSW

At Thorndale Foundation, we have been supporting people with disability across NSW for decades. Our SLES program is built on a foundation of genuine care, experienced staff, and a commitment to real, measurable outcomes for every young person.

What Our SLES Program Includes

• Personalised employment planning with each participant

• Workplace readiness workshops and practical skill-building sessions

• Supported work experience placements with local employers

• Travel training and community access skill development

• Social and communication skills groups

• Transition planning for after SLES — whether that means Supported Employment, open employment, or further study

A Supportive, Person-Centred Approach

We understand that every young person is different. Some participants come to us with a clear idea of the career they want to pursue. Others are still exploring. Either way, our experienced team takes the time to understand each person's strengths, interests, and goals — then builds a program around them.

Our SLES staff include qualified disability support workers, employment consultants, and allied health professionals who work collaboratively to support the whole person — not just their employment journey.

Real Pathways After SLES

Many participants transition directly from our SLES program into our Supported Employment services, where they enjoy meaningful paid work in a supported, inclusive environment. Others move into open employment with their preferred employer. Some continue into vocational education and training (VET) or TAFE programs.

FAQs About SLES at Thorndale

Can someone start SLES before they officially leave school?

In some cases, SLES can begin in a young person's final year of school with NESA and NDIS agreement. Speak with your school and Support Coordinator to explore this option.

Can a young person do SLES and Supported Employment at the same time?

Generally, SLES is a stepping stone before transitioning to Supported Employment. However, some participants may undertake work experience within a supported employment environment as part of their SLES goals. Our team can help you plan the right pathway.

What if my young person has complex support needs?

Our SLES program is designed to be flexible and inclusive. We have experience supporting young people with a wide range of disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism, and physical disability. Contact us to discuss your young person's specific needs.

Does Thorndale offer SLES in my area of NSW?

Thorndale services a number of areas across NSW. Contact our team to find out about availability in your location.

Take the Next Step with Thorndale

If your young person is approaching the end of school or has recently left and you are wondering what comes next, Thorndale's School Leavers Employment Support program may be exactly the right fit.

Our team is warm, experienced, and deeply committed to helping young people with disability discover what they are capable of. We would love to meet your family, learn about your young person's goals, and show you how we can help.

→ Explore our Supported Employment program as the natural next step after SLES.

→ Learn about our Disability Day Programs for social and life skills development.