What is SLES?

School Leaver Employment Supports help NDIS participants transition from school to the workplace and is aimed at 16 to 22 year olds.  Programs are tailored to each individual and involve group and one-on-one activities to help meet employment goals over up to a two year period.  Some of the skills taught are:

  • Money handling
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Heath and Safety
  • Work experience
  • Workplace etiquette
  • Travel
  • Personal development
  • Applying for a job
  • Starting a business

The desired outcome from SLES is that a participant gains meaningful employment that is paid at or above award rates.  Examples of employment outcomes include:

  • Mainstream employment – a job in the open market
  • Customised employment – working with local employers to create a meaningful job based on an individual’s skills
  • Micro-enterprise – working with a participant to start up their own business providing a valuable service to their community

More information on SLES can be found on the NDIS website and our FAQ page.  Self++ also runs regular webinars on SLES, which can be found in the right-hand column of the page.

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What does SLES look like?

While no two SLES programs are the same, we can give you an insight into what the Self++ SLES Program, SLES++, looks like.

Upon being accepted into SLES++, we do a detailed goal setting exercise (above and beyond what is done as part of the NDIS plan) and an assessment of functional life skills to set a baseline of what areas need the most work.  From this information, we’ll develop a strategy, which forms the basis of any activities done under the program and gets reviewed every 3 months.

From there, the program is divided into four different phases as outlined below, with each phase lasting approximately 6 months:

Under the SLES++ Program, there’s a variety of different activities that occur during the program to help you towards your employment goals.  These activities are customised based on your needs and interests, and include:

  • LEGO® Build Sessions
  • Computing Classes
  • Group Coaching
  • Online Community
  • Travel Training
  • Work Experience
  • Resume and Job Hunting Workshops
  • Interview Role Play

At the end of the program you will be transitioned to ongoing supports to ensure your career is successful.  This includes both internal Self++ coaching and supports and external services as required.

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How do I get SLES?

If you already have an NDIS plan and are self or plan managed, Self++ offers a SLES program in the Canberra region.  Please contact us if you’d like more information on how to join.

If you’ve got an NDIS plan that is agency managed and would like to join the Self++ SLES program, you’ll need to apply for a Light Touch Review to get your funding switched over to self or plan managed.  To start this process you can either contact your LAC (Local Area Coordinator) or the NDIA on 1800 800 110.  Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this option in more detail.

If you don’t have an NDIS plan, you will need to apply via the NDIA.  You will require evidence of your disability and the process may take a while.  More information about applying for the NDIS can be found on the NDIS website.  Please contact us if you need any assistance.

Sometimes there may be issues accessing the NDIS.  Disability advocates are available throughout Australia to help with any issues that arise.  A list of disability advocates can be found on the AFDO website.  If you’re unsure about something, please contact us and we’ll see what we can do to help you.

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