If you or someone in your family are leaving school and looking to transition into work, the NDIS offers School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES). These supports help young people build confidence and develop skills to find and maintain a job.
The latest SLES quarterly report, covering data from January to December 2023, was released on 1 November 2024. It looks at how 6,606 participants used these supports, what worked best and which factors led to successful employment outcomes.
What is SLES?
SLES are for young people with disability leaving school (generally in their final year or the equivalent) who want to explore or transition into work. It can include:
- Work experience: Opportunities to try different jobs and see what suits you best
- Skill-building workshops: Learning workplace communication, interview techniques, or budgeting
- Travel training: Learning to travel independently to and from work
- Workplace mentoring: Getting the right guidance and support on the job.
The latest SLES quarterly report at a glance.
The quarterly report shares data on how many people are accessing SLES, the types of supports they choose and how providers are helping participants achieve positive outcomes. Here are some highlights:
1. Participant outcomes
Of the 1,831 participants who have accessed and since exited SLES:
- 25% achieved open employment
- 5% entered supported employment (formerly Australian Disability Enterprises)
- 11% pursued further study or volunteer work
Of those who secured paid work, 65% found jobs in retail, tourism, trade, manufacturing, or operations – popular sectors offering diverse roles and career pathways.
2. Best practices for success
- Participants whose providers spent time tailoring roles and connecting with employers were more likely to get a job
- Those who made significant progress on goals – like building work skills or confidence – saw better employment outcomes.
3. Comparing SLES providers
The NDIA has released ‘Outcomes by Provider’ lists so you can see how different SLES providers performed from January–December 2023. This info helps you make an informed choice about which provider might suit you best.
For more in-depth stats, check out the NDIS news item.
Why does this matter?
If you’re preparing to leave school – or supporting someone who is – this report suggests more opportunities and better resources are available through SLES than ever. It’s also a sign that more employers and mainstream services are recognising the capabilities of school leavers with disability.
Making the most of SLES.
Below are some tips if you’re thinking about or already using SLES:
- Set clear goals: Know what you want to achieve (like a certain type of job or learning a specific skill). SLES works best when you have a clear direction
- Talk to your SLES provider: Explain your interests and ambitions. Ask about job customisation, employer engagement, or other activities that can improve your work prospects
- Build on your plan: If you’ve already got goals around further education or work in your NDIS Plan, see how SLES could help you achieve them. (Check out our articles on school leaver employment supports and setting goals for further education and work).
Where to next?
As more school leavers connect with SLES, it’s worth exploring whether these supports could help you. Chat with your Local Area Coordinator or planner if you think SLES might align with your goals.
Helpful links:
- Latest School Leaver Employment Supports report (NDIS)
- Delivering capacity building employment assistance page.
Originally published 30 January 2019, updated 4 February 2025.