What is School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)?
WDEA Works School Leaver Employment Supports SLES is a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) service designed to support young adults with a disability with their transition from school into employment.
How is it different from school?
Our SLES participants often tell us the format and style of learning they experienced at school did not suit their learning needs. They find themselves having finished school with no idea of the workforce, including what a job is, the skills they need, what kind of job they would enjoy or how to get a job.
SLES allows participants to understand and develop (at their own pace) the tools they need to take this next step in their lives. WDEA Works SLES Employment Preparation and Engagement Consultants (EPEC) facilitate this in a productive and meaningful way to our participants.
How it works
SLES is available to people with a disability who are leaving school through to the age of 22.
It is offered through the NDIS for those with an NDIS Plan, under the category ‘Finding and Keeping a Job.’ WDEA Works can support participants to navigate the NDIS if they need to get this added to their plan.
WDEA Works takes an individual approach in helping participants prepare, look for and gain employment. Once started, they are assigned an Employment Preparation and Engagement Consultant (EPEC), who will work to understand them and their interests.
Getting to know you
SLES is individually designed. Working together with our participant’s family and support network, our EPECs help participants develop their work readiness and confidence in a fun environment. With over 80 modules available to choose from, we will ensure a personalised program is developed.
What do participants learn that makes them job-ready?
- Work experience
- Resume/Cover letters
- Working in a team
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Travel training
- Dressing for work
- Preparing for Industry Experience Day – Workplace Overview
- Preparing for an Interview
There are no limitations when it comes to helping participants achieve their employment goals.
What makes WDEA Works SLES different?
Our EPECs are what makes WDEA Works SLES so beneficial to our participants. They love their work and are continually coming up with new and engaging ways to support participants to build their skills, confidence and to find a job they love.
We have been providing SLES for over two years and during this time we have supported 21% of our participants into open employment (where they are still working).
33% of participants have also completed at least one work experience placement.
WDEA Works EPECs have supported SLES participants to get their L and P plates, learn to use public transport, shop for groceries, cook a meal, try new things, meet new people, and make friends on their journey towards employment.
Our EPECs can work with participants in their final year of school. They can also assist with navigating the NDIS system and other supports that participants may be linked with to achieve their employment goals.
We also offer transport support, and our network of local businesses and employers means that participants can undertake industry visits to get a taste of what working in those roles would be like.
If you would like to find out more about our SLES service and discuss eligibility, please contact your local WDEA Works office on 1800 566 066.
WDEA Works SLES are here to help you achieve your employment goals!
Read some of our SLES Good News Stories here.