School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) are tailored NDIS supports designed to help young people with disabilities transition from school into meaningful employment. This guide explains the key aspects of SLES funding, who is eligible, the benefits it provides, and how it differs from Disability Employment Services (DES).
What is SLES and When Can You Access It?
SLES is an early intervention program funded by the NDIS for young people with disabilities who are in their final year of school or have recently finished. The main goal of SLES is to prepare school leavers for employment by building essential work-related skills, increasing independence, and boosting confidence.
SLES can begin in the last year of schooling and is usually available for up to two years after leaving school, most often for Participants aged between 16 and 22. The supports focus on practical skill development such as communication, time management, travel training, computer literacy, and money management. While SLES does not guarantee a job, it equips Participants with the skills and confidence they need to pursue open employment and improve their long-term career opportunities.
To access SLES, a Participant must have an NDIS Plan with funding allocated under the “Finding and Keeping a Job” category. This ensures supports are tailored to individual needs and goals. Families are encouraged to raise the option of SLES with their Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator as early as possible, even before the Participant finishes school, to make sure they gain the maximum benefit from the program.
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Benefits of the SLES Program
SLES offer significant benefits for young people with disabilities as they move from school into employment.
Development of skills: Participants build practical abilities such as communication, money management, time management, teamwork, and computer skills that align with workplace expectations.
Work experience: Access to real-life industry placements allows Participants to explore different career options, discover their strengths, and gain hands-on knowledge of the workplace.
Confidence building: Supported individual and group activities help Participants grow in self-confidence, which is vital for long-term success in employment.
Personalised support: Each SLES program is tailored to suit the individual goals of the Participant, creating a unique pathway that matches their career aspirations.
Smooth transition: SLES bridges the gap between school and employment, reducing the anxiety often associated with leaving school and preparing young people for meaningful future opportunities.
Who Can Obtain SLES Funding Under the NDIS?
Eligibility for SLES is determined by specific criteria under the NDIS. To access SLES, the individual must have a disability and hold an approved NDIS Plan.
Participants are generally school leavers aged between 16 and 22, or students preparing to leave school, usually in Year 12 but sometimes from Year 10 depending on state regulations. SLES is designed for young people who require intensive support to move from school into employment and are not yet ready for immediate open employment through DES.
SLES can be funded for up to two years after leaving school and is included in an NDIS Plan under the “Finding and Keeping a Job” budget category (line item 10_021_0102_5_3). Unlike many other NDIS supports, SLES is not price-controlled. Instead, it is funded through an annual block payment, usually around $22,000 per year, which allows for flexible and individualised support. This structure also enables Participants to engage multiple Providers to meet their needs and goals.
What is the Difference Between DES and SLES?
Both SLES and DES assist people with disabilities to enter the workforce, but they differ in their purpose, funding, and approach.
Aspect | SLES | DES |
|---|---|---|
Funding | NDIS-funded, requires an approved NDIS Plan | Federally funded, no NDIS Plan required |
Target Group | Young people leaving school, usually aged 16–22 | Job seekers of any age with a disability or health condition |
Purpose | Builds pre-employment skills to prepare for work | Helps Participants find and keep paid employment |
Support Level | Intensive, individualised preparation and training | Direct job search assistance, placement, and ongoing workplace support |
Outcome | “Employment ready” and prepared for DES or open employment | Achieves sustainable paid work in the open labour market |
How Does SLES and DES Work Together?
SLES and DES can work hand in hand to create a clear pathway from school to meaningful employment. Many Participants begin with SLES to build confidence, develop practical skills, and gain early work experience. Once they are ready to actively look for work, their SLES Provider can support a smooth transition into a DES program, where the focus shifts to job searching, placement, and ongoing employment support.
In many cases, the SLES Provider remains involved during the first few months of DES participation. This overlap ensures continuity of care, reduces stress for the Participant, and provides extra stability during the transition into open employment. Together, SLES and DES create a structured support system that helps young people move from learning to workplace participation with greater confidence and long-term success.
Example scenario: Sally, aged 18, accessed SLES in her final year of school to work on communication skills, time management, and confidence in social situations. During her two years in the program, she also completed a short placement in retail, which helped her discover her interest in customer service. When Sally was ready to look for a job, her SLES Provider introduced her to a DES Provider. With both providers working together for the first few months, Sally secured part-time work in a retail store and now continues to receive ongoing support from DES to maintain her employment.
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Is the SLES Program Right for Me?
The SLES program is designed for young people with disabilities who want to work but need extra time, experience, or support before moving into open employment. If you are in your final year of school or have recently finished and feel you would benefit from structured assistance to develop workplace skills, explore different career interests, or build independence, SLES may be an ideal option.
This program is especially suited to individuals who would benefit from personalised support, access to a supportive community, and practical work experience opportunities. By participating in SLES, you can prepare for future pathways, whether that means transitioning to DES or stepping directly into meaningful employment with greater confidence and readiness.
FAQs
1) Who is eligible for SLES funding under the NDIS?
SLES are available to young people with a disability aged 16 to 22 who are in their final year of school or have left within the past two years. To access SLES, the Participant must have an NDIS Plan that includes funding under the Finding and Keeping a Job category. This program is best suited for those who need structured, intensive support to prepare for open employment.
2) How much funding do you get for SLES under the NDIS?
SLES is usually funded at around $22,000 per year for up to two years. Unlike many other NDIS supports, it is not price-controlled. Instead, the funding is provided as a block payment that can be used flexibly. This allows Participants to work with multiple SLES providers and tailor their supports to their individual employment goals.
3) For how long is SLES funding provided?
Funding is typically available for 12 to 24 months, depending on the individual’s progress, goals, and level of support required. The duration is flexible to ensure that Participants are truly “employment ready” before transitioning to open work or to DES.
4) What skills can you learn through SLES?
SLES programs help Participants develop skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, money handling, travel training, and computer literacy. Some providers also offer workplace tasters and short industry placements to give young people real-life work experience.
5) Can I use more than one SLES provider?
Yes. Because funding is provided as a block payment, Participants can choose to split their supports across multiple providers. This means they can access a variety of programs that match their interests, whether that is retail, hospitality, IT, trades, or other industries.
6) How do I apply for SLES funding?
To apply for SLES, speak with your NDIS Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator, or NDIS Planner. They can help update your Plan to include SLES funding. It is best to raise this discussion early, ideally in the final year of school, so that supports are in place before you leave education.
7) Does SLES guarantee a job?
No, SLES does not guarantee employment. Instead, it builds the skills, confidence, and independence needed for open employment. The goal is for Participants to be work-ready and to successfully transition into DES or directly into meaningful long-term employment.
