School Leaver Employment Support: Helping Young People Transition to Work

Leaving school marks a big milestone for every young person. It’s a time filled with excitement, new opportunities, and sometimes, uncertainty. For young people with disabilities, this transition can be even more complex — from figuring out career goals to developing job-ready skills. That’s where school leaver employment support comes in.

Through personalised guidance and practical training, these programs empower young Australians to move confidently from school to meaningful employment. Services like Bunji Launchpad provide tailored pathways that help participants discover their potential and take the first steps toward independence.

What Is School Leaver Employment Support?

School leaver employment support (SLES) is an NDIS-funded program designed to help young people with disabilities prepare for work and successfully enter the workforce.

It’s available to students in their final years of school or recent graduates (usually aged 16–22) who are eligible for NDIS support.

The program focuses on building essential skills for work and life — not just finding a job but helping each participant thrive in their chosen field.

Core areas of support include:

• Career exploration and planning – helping participants discover what jobs suit their interests and abilities.
• Skill development – from time management and teamwork to digital literacy and workplace communication.
• Work experience – practical placements in real workplaces to build confidence and capability.
• Employment preparation – resume writing, job applications, and interview practice.
• Mentorship and coaching – ongoing encouragement and goal tracking with dedicated mentors.

How School Leaver Employment Support Makes a Difference

The move from school to employment is one of life’s biggest transitions. For young people with disabilities, the right support can make this journey smoother, more empowering, and more rewarding.

Here’s how school leaver employment support helps:

1. Builds Confidence and Self-Awareness

Through one-on-one mentoring and group programs, participants learn more about their strengths, interests, and career goals. This boosts confidence and helps them see real potential in their abilities.

2. Develops Practical Job Skills

From learning how to use workplace technology to understanding punctuality and teamwork, the program prepares participants for real-world employment expectations.

3. Provides Real Work Experience

Many SLES programs partner with local businesses to offer work experience placements. These experiences help participants apply their training, gain feedback, and understand workplace culture before they start paid employment.

4. Offers Personalised Career Pathways

No two participants are the same. Whether someone wants to work in retail, administration, hospitality, or technology, programs like Bunji Launchpad create flexible plans tailored to each person’s aspirations.

5. Encourages Independence

Beyond employment, these programs help young people gain independence — learning to manage schedules, travel to work, and communicate effectively with supervisors and colleagues.

Who Can Access School Leaver Employment Support?

You may be eligible for school leaver employment support if you:

• Are finishing school or have left school within the past two years
• Are aged between 16 and 22
• Are an NDIS participant with employment goals in your plan

If you meet these criteria, your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you include SLES funding in your plan. This ensures you receive the right mix of training, mentoring, and workplace opportunities.

What to Expect from a Good SLES Provider

Choosing the right provider makes a big difference in how effective your program will be. Look for providers who:

• Take time to understand your goals and strengths
• Offer flexible learning options (in-person and online)
• Partner with local employers for hands-on experience
• Provide consistent mentoring and feedback
• Support you beyond job placement — with coaching and personal development

Providers like Bunji Launchpad go beyond traditional training. Their holistic approach blends practical skill-building with emotional support, helping participants not just get jobs, but succeed and grow in them.

Examples of Skills Developed in SLES Programs

Participants gain a wide range of life and work skills, including:

• Communication and teamwork
• Money management
• Resume and cover letter writing
• Interview preparation
• Customer service and workplace etiquette
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Goal setting and time management

These foundational skills lay the groundwork for long-term employment success — and they’re transferable across any industry.

The Role of the NDIS in Employment Support

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds programs like SLES because employment is a key factor in independence and inclusion. Through NDIS funding, participants can access individualised support based on their abilities and goals.

The funding can cover:

• Training and mentoring sessions
• Job readiness workshops
• Support for work experience placements
• Ongoing employment coaching

This ensures participants receive the tools they need to build meaningful, sustainable careers.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Program

To make the most of your school leaver employment support journey:

1. Set clear goals – Know what kind of work or career interests you most.
2. Stay engaged – Take an active role in workshops, coaching, and work placements.
3. Ask for feedback – Regular feedback helps you grow faster and identify areas for improvement.
4. Use your support network – Stay connected with your mentors, coordinators, and family members for motivation.
5. Celebrate progress – Every small achievement is a step closer to independence.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from school to work is a major life step — and every young person deserves the right support to make it successful. Through school leaver employment support, young Australians with disabilities can explore their strengths, gain practical experience, and build the confidence to step into meaningful work.

Programs like Bunji Launchpad prove that with the right guidance, every young person can find their path, achieve independence, and make a valuable contribution to the workforce.