Diverse Pathways: School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) Programs for the Neurodiverse on the Central Coast
- Michelle Silberman
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Are you looking for NDIS-funded support for autistic school leavers or practical training for neurodivergent young adults? At Diverse Pathways, we offer a wide range of School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) programs on the Central Coast, specifically designed to support autistic teens, young people with ADHD, and others with neurodivergent learning styles as they transition from school to work and independent living.
Our SLES programs focus on both life skills development and career pathways. Delivered across 40 weeks in small groups, each program builds confidence, connection, and job-readiness in an inclusive, supportive environment.
🌱 Life Skills SLES Program
Our NDIS life skills program for neurodiverse school leavers builds practical independence and everyday capability. Participants learn budgeting, time management, meal planning, self-care routines, and household management — ideal for those looking to grow their confidence and independence. This stream is perfect for families searching for life skills training for autistic teenagers or daily living support for school leavers.
🍽 Hospitality SLES Program
Our hospitality training for autistic young people focuses on food preparation, safe kitchen practices, and customer service in real and mock hospitality settings. Whether participants are interested in working in cafes, catering, or community events, this program helps build essential employability skills and social confidence — ideal for those exploring NDIS-funded hospitality programs for neurodiverse youth.
🛠 Carpentry SLES Program
The Carpentry stream offers hands-on learning in woodworking, tool use, and safety. Participants complete projects that build fine motor skills, problem-solving ability, and job readiness — an excellent fit for anyone searching for carpentry SLES programs or trade training for school leavers with autism or ADHD.
🎨 Creative Arts SLES Program
The Creative Arts stream encourages self-expression through painting, digital design, and various forms of media. It nurtures emotional wellbeing and personal identity while supporting skill development in creative industries. This stream is a great option for those looking for NDIS creative programs for autistic young people or arts-based employment pathways for neurodiverse teens.
💻 Technology SLES Program
Tech-savvy school leavers can build coding skills, explore gaming and online safety, and engage with IT systems. This stream is ideal for neurodivergent young people interested in technology careers and for families seeking NDIS digital literacy or IT programs for autistic teens.
🌿 Horticulture SLES Program
For those who enjoy the outdoors, our Horticulture stream offers calm, nature-connected learning through gardening, landscaping, and sustainability projects. This is a peaceful and productive program, great for participants looking for gardening programs for autistic school leavers or NDIS horticulture support on the Central Coast.
🔧 Handyperson & Maintenance SLES Program
The Handyperson stream focuses on practical repairs, tool handling, and real-world problem-solving. This is a supportive entry point into trade pathways for neurodivergent young people who thrive in structured, hands-on environments and are looking for NDIS-funded trade or maintenance programs.
🐾 Animal Care SLES Program
Our Animal Care stream builds empathy and responsibility through pet handling, feeding routines, and hygiene skills. It’s ideal for school leavers passionate about animals, especially those seeking animal care training for autistic youth or wanting to pursue NDIS-supported work in pet care environments.
🐄 Farm Animal Care SLES Program
This program takes place on our rural Mardi property, where participants learn to care for larger animals such as sheep, goats, and chickens. The Farm Animal Care stream is structured and calm — great for learners who benefit from routine and want to explore autism-friendly farm programs or NDIS-supported rural training.
🛍 Retail SLES Program
Participants in the Retail stream learn how to manage stock, operate point-of-sale systems, and deliver customer service. This is a highly practical, engaging option for those interested in NDIS retail training for neurodiverse teens or employment support for school leavers with autism.
🧘 Health & Wellbeing SLES Program
The Health & Wellbeing stream blends fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition with emotional regulation and stress management. This holistic approach supports long-term mental and physical health and is perfect for school leavers looking for NDIS health and wellbeing programs or fitness training tailored for autistic teens.
🗂 Administration SLES Program
This stream builds skills in office organisation, filing, computer use, and communication in professional settings. It’s ideal for young people who thrive in quiet, structured environments and are exploring NDIS-supported administration training or clerical work pathways for neurodivergent youth.
Why Choose Diverse Pathways for SLES?
Programs are neurodiversity-affirming, inclusive, and goal-oriented
Delivered by experienced, supportive mentors
Based on our beautiful Mardi property on the Central Coast
Fully funded through the NDIS School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)
Designed for young people aged 15–22, post-Year 10, needing additional support transitioning to employment
Whether you're exploring NDIS post-school options, seeking inclusive job training for autistic young adults, or want to build confidence and community connection, Diverse Pathways SLES programs are built to empower.
Get Started Today
📍 Located on the Central Coast, NSW 📅 Programs run 2 days a week for 10 weeks each term 🌿 Delivered in a safe, structured, and inclusive environment 💡 Build the skills that lead to confidence, connection, and long-term success
Contact Diverse Pathways SLES Team today to explore our exciting, individualised SLES streams or to learn more about how we support young neurodivergent people as they take the next step toward employment and independence.
📞 Call us 1300348 333 | 📧 Email us | 🌐 Register your interest.
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