Choosing the Right Employment Support After School
If you’re preparing to leave school or thinking about your future career, you may have come across both School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and Disability Employment Services (DES). Although both programs aim to improve employment outcomes for people with disability, they provide different types of support and are available at different stages of your employment journey.
Understanding how SLES and DES differ can help you choose the support that best matches your current goals. This guide explains what each program offers, who they are designed for, and how they can help you build the confidence, skills, and experience needed for meaningful employment.
Not Sure Whether SLES or DES Is Right for You?
Choosing the right employment support can make a big difference to your confidence, skills, and long-term career opportunities. While both School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and Disability Employment Services (DES) help people work towards employment, they are designed for different stages of the employment journey.
At Janalli Services, we help participants across Logan understand their options and build the practical skills needed to achieve meaningful employment and greater independence.
We can help you with:
- School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
- Employment readiness training
- Workplace communication skills
- Confidence and independence building
- Community participation
- Individualised employment preparation
You can confirm our official registration on the 👉 NDIS Commission website
What Is School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)?
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is an NDIS Capacity Building support designed to help young people with disability transition from school into employment. Rather than focusing on finding a job immediately, SLES helps participants develop the practical skills, confidence, and experience they need to become work ready. SLES is generally suited to participants who are finishing school and want to build their employment readiness before entering the workforce. Support is tailored to each participant’s goals and may include developing workplace communication, learning daily routines, improving independence, and gaining practical experience in community or work-related settings. Through personalised support, participants can build the foundation needed for future employment while increasing their confidence and independence.
To learn more about how this support works, read our SLES Funding Explained guide.
What Is Disability Employment Services (DES)?
Disability Employment Services (DES) is an Australian Government employment program that helps people with disability prepare for, find, and maintain employment. Unlike SLES, which focuses on employment readiness, DES is generally designed for people who are ready to actively look for work or need ongoing support after gaining employment.
Depending on individual needs, DES providers may assist with:
- Finding suitable job opportunities
- Preparing resumes and job applications
- Job search assistance
- Interview preparation
- Ongoing workplace support after employment
- Helping participants maintain long-term employment
For many participants, SLES provides the skills and confidence needed before transitioning to DES, where the focus shifts towards securing and sustaining employment.
SLES vs DES: Key Differences
Although both SLES and DES support people with disability on their employment journey, they have different purposes and are delivered at different stages. Understanding these differences can help you choose the support that best matches your current goals and level of employment readiness.
| Feature | SLES | DES |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Build employment readiness and independence | Help participants find and keep employment |
| Who It’s For | School leavers preparing for work | People who are ready to seek or maintain employment |
| Funding | Funded through the NDIS as a Capacity Building support | Funded by the Australian Government |
| Duration | Usually provided during the transition from school to employment | Continues while employment support is required |
| Employment Stage | Preparing for future employment | Actively looking for work or already employed |
| Typical Outcomes | Improved workplace skills, confidence, and independence | Employment placement and ongoing workplace support |
For many participants, these programs complement each other rather than compete. SLES helps build the skills and confidence needed for employment, while DES provides practical assistance when you’re ready to apply for jobs and succeed in the workplace.
Not Sure Which Employment Support Is Right for You?
Choosing between SLES and DES can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re preparing to leave school or planning your first steps towards employment. Our team can help you understand your options, explain how each program works, and identify the support that best aligns with your NDIS goals.
When Should You Choose SLES?
SLES is designed for young NDIS participants who are leaving school and need time to build the skills, confidence, and independence required before entering the workforce. Rather than focusing on getting a job straight away, SLES helps participants prepare for employment through practical learning, routine building, and personalised support.
SLES may be the right choice if you:
- Are preparing to leave school and want to transition into employment.
- Need to build confidence before applying for jobs.
- Want to develop workplace communication and social skills.
- Need support learning workplace routines and expectations.
- Would benefit from practical experiences that improve employment readiness.
Every participant progresses at their own pace, and SLES provides flexible, goal-focused support to help build a strong foundation for future employment. Once participants are ready to actively seek work, they may then move on to Disability Employment Services (DES) for job search and ongoing workplace support. If you’d like to learn more about who can access SLES, read our SLES Eligibility guide.
Skills That Prepare You for Employment
Regardless of whether you access SLES, DES, or both at different stages, developing strong workplace skills is essential for long-term employment success. These practical skills help participants feel more confident, communicate effectively, and adapt to different work environments.
Important employment skills include:
- Clear communication with colleagues and supervisors
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management and punctuality
- Confidence in new environments
- Community participation and social interaction
Many of these skills can be developed through everyday activities and personalised NDIS supports. Our NDIS Innovative Community Participation service helps participants build confidence, strengthen social connections, and gain practical experiences that support employment readiness.
Helping Participants Prepare for Employment with Matthew Kyte
Matthew Kyte, Founder of Janalli Services, is committed to helping young people develop the skills and confidence needed for long-term employment success. Through a person-centred approach, Matthew works closely with participants to create realistic employment goals and practical pathways towards greater independence.
Matthew supports participants by helping them:
- Develop individual employment goals.
- Build practical workplace and communication skills.
- Increase confidence in new environments.
- Prepare for the transition from school to employment.
- Strengthen independence through personalised NDIS supports.
Whether you’re just beginning your employment journey or preparing for your next step, Janalli Services provides tailored support that focuses on your strengths, aspirations, and long-term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing between SLES and DES often raises questions about eligibility, funding, and which program is best suited to your employment goals. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
1. What is the difference between SLES and DES?
SLES helps school leavers build the skills, confidence, and independence needed before entering the workforce, while Disability Employment Services (DES) supports people who are ready to find, secure, and maintain employment.
2. Can I access both SLES and DES?
Depending on your circumstances, you may use SLES to prepare for employment and later transition to DES when you’re ready to actively look for work. The most suitable pathway will depend on your individual goals and support needs.
3. Who is eligible for Disability Employment Services?
DES is available to eligible people with disability who require assistance to prepare for, find, or maintain employment. Eligibility is determined through the Australian Government’s program requirements.
4. Is SLES only for school leavers?
Yes. SLES is specifically designed for eligible NDIS participants who are transitioning from school and need support to build employment readiness before entering the workforce.
5. Which program is better for finding a job?
If you’re ready to actively seek employment, DES is generally the most appropriate program. If you first need to develop workplace skills, confidence, and independence, SLES provides the foundation to help you prepare for future employment.
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Flexible NDIS Support Appointments
Janalli supports both NDIS participants and private self-funded clients through flexible online and in-person counselling services. Participants can access support designed to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen confidence, develop communication skills, and build practical strategies for everyday challenges. Flexible telehealth services allow participants to access support from familiar environments while maintaining consistency and engagement. Participants can easily book sessions online, select appointment times that suit their schedules, and manage their support journey through Janalli’s online booking system.
Find the Right Employment Pathway
Whether you’re preparing to leave school or exploring your employment options, Janalli Services can help you build the skills, confidence, and independence needed for the next stage of your employment journey. Our personalised supports are tailored to your goals, helping you take positive steps towards meaningful and sustainable employment.
Call us today on 0403-258-258
Email us at: info@janalliservices.com.au
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