🎓 5 Benefits of SLES for School Leavers with Disability

Leaving school is a big step—but it doesn’t have to be a scary one.

At Specialcise Central, our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program helps young people with disability build real-world skills, explore job pathways, and transition into adult life with confidence.

Funded by the NDIS, SLES is a flexible, participant-led support designed for school leavers who want to work toward open employment, supported jobs, or further training. And here’s why it works.

✅ 1. Builds Confidence in the Real World

SLES gives school leavers the chance to develop self-belief—whether they’re learning to catch public transport, attend appointments, or interact with new people. Every small win adds up.

At Specialcise, we support participants with activities that encourage personal growth, from social skills workshops to independent travel training.

💼 2. Develops Work-Ready Skills

From preparing a resume to understanding how to speak to a manager, SLES participants learn the practical skills needed to find and keep a job.

Our team helps each young person work toward their own goals through:

• Valuable and tailored work experience placements

• Interview practice

• Customer service activities (like our term market stalls!)

• Time management and workplace etiquette coaching

🤝 3. Encourages Social and Community Participation

SLES isn’t just about jobs—it’s about belonging. Through structured group programs and community-based activities, participants build friendships and confidence in social settings.

We regularly support SLES participants to host events, attend local markets, and join group excursions across the Gold Coast.

📚 4. Supports Lifelong Learning

Some school leavers want to explore further study, volunteering, or training pathways—and SLES helps guide that journey. Whether it’s learning to budget, cook a meal, or improve literacy and numeracy, we focus on everyday life skills too.

We tailor each plan based on the participant’s goals and strengths—no cookie-cutter programs here.

🛠 5. Creates a Stepping Stone to Employment or Supported Work

Not every school leaver is ready for a job straight away—but with the right support, they can get there. SLES gives young people time and space to build capacity, explore job options, and gain the confidence to enter the workforce when they’re ready.

At Specialcise Central, we’re proud to support every step of that transition—whether it leads to open employment, a traineeship, or supported work.

💬 Final Thoughts

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) through the NDIS can be a game-changer for young people with disability. It’s about growing life skills, career confidence, and independence—and having fun along the way!

📍 Based on the Gold Coast
Get in touch with Specialcise Central to see how we can support your young person’s next steps after school.

Emma