Finishing high school can be an overwhelming time, often filled with worry and stress about what the future will hold. For students with disabilities or other barriers, that stress can be even greater. We sat down with Billie, Mylestones’ School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) specialist, to get her tips and advice on finding and keeping a job.
Q: What is SLES?
A: School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) prepares Year 12 students and school leavers for work through a number of industries and skills-based programs. The goal of SLES is to create pathways for young people with barriers to work, so they can earn an income, gain independence, and pursue their passions. These supports will be tailored to meet your individual employment goals.
Q: How do I find SLES in my NDIS plan?
A: You can find the SLES program in your NDIS plan under the line item "Finding and Keeping a Job".
Q: The end of the school year is approaching... where do I start?
A: The first step is to do your research. Find out what employment programs are available in your community, and talk to the service providers that are running them as early as possible. SLES is available to Year 12 school leavers who are eligible for the NDIS, and Mylestones has dedicated SLES Coordinators to assist both parents and students.
Q: When should I start looking for a service provider?
A: There can be a lot of anxiety for young people about what life after school will look like. It’s never too early to understand what options or employment opportunities might be out there. I would definitely recommend engaging with a service provider in Year 12. Building a close connection with a provider will make it easier to find the right pathway to work. The more they know about you, the better.
Q: Is SLES right for me?
A: Along with other life goals, start thinking about what employment aspirations you have. If you’d like some support to get there, SLES could be the answer. At Mylestones, we offer students the opportunity to engage in work trials, which are a great way to find out what kind of industry or workplace is right for each individual. One of our core beliefs as a business is that every person should have freedom of choice, opportunity to chase their passion, and support to live the life they choose. The opportunity to grow and develop as a young adult, and the transformation that employment can achieve for someone, with or without a disability, may just surprise you!
Q: Which SLES programs does Mylestones offer?
A: At Mylestones we offer a range of training and experience opportunities, including:
- coffee cart and barista skills
- retail market skills
- landscaping and commercial garden maintenance
- warehousing
- first aid and workplace health and safety training
- personal branding and presentation
- communication skills and confidence building
- life skills including money handling, taking instructions and time management
- work experience opportunities
- self-employment development opportunities.