Your Pathway from School to Work on the Central Coast with Diverse Pathways' School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)

Are you a Year 12 student or about to leave school? Wondering what comes next?

Leaving school is a major life milestone — and for young people with autism, the transition to employment or further study can feel overwhelming. That’s where School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) through the NDIS steps in.

At Diverse Pathways on the Central Coast, we specialise in guiding young autistic people through this journey with personalised, flexible support that builds confidence and skills for life after school.

NDIS supported school leavers develop coding skills under the SLES program, enhancing their digital proficiency for future opportunities.

What Is SLES?

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is an NDIS-funded program designed to help Year 12 school leavers with disability move confidently into the world of work or further education. It provides individualised support to develop the skills needed for employment, independence, and community participation.

At Diverse Pathways, we deliver SLES in a way that puts the young person’s goals first — whether it’s finding a first job, gaining experience, or preparing for TAFE or university.

Become a mechanic and learn before you leave school under NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports

Who Is SLES For?

SLES is designed for:

• Year 12 school leavers with an NDIS plan

• Young people aged 16–22

• Those who want to explore work opportunities but need extra support to get job-ready

• Participants not yet ready for Disability Employment Services (DES)

Whether you’re thinking about working now or want to take your time to build skills, Diverse Pathways can tailor a plan just for you.

A school leaver participates in the SLES program, gaining practical horticulture skills by maneuvering a wheelbarrow and handling garden maintenance tasks.

What Skills Will You Learn Through SLES?

At Diverse Pathways, our SLES program focuses on real-world, practical skills that help participants succeed in employment and beyond, such as:

• Money handling and budgeting

• Time management and planning

• Communication and interpersonal skills

• Public transport training

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Identifying job interests and strengths

• Job customisation and tailored employment options

• Hands-on work experience

• Employer connections and education

• Job application and interview support

• Ongoing coaching and on-the-job training

• Long-term employment maintenance support

  
  

Exploring colour palettes and digital design techniques learnt in a graphic design project, featuring vibrant swatches and creative sketches under NDIS SLES program.

Planning Ahead: Don’t Wait Until School Ends

The best employment outcomes come from early planning. The NDIS works closely with schools to help students with disability transition into work or further study. If you're still in school, you can:

• Ask your teachers or career advisor about creating a career transition plan

• Share your plan with your NDIS local area coordinator or planner

• Discuss how SLES and employment supports can be included in your plan

At Diverse Pathways Wyong, we can also help you and your family navigate this planning process to make sure you get the support you need — when you need it.

Interested in TAFE, University, or Further Study?

Not all pathways to employment start with a job. Vocational training and further education are often key steps toward your goals. While the NDIS doesn’t fund course fees, it can help with:

• Personal care while studying or during work placements

• Transport if you’re unable to drive or use public transport

• Support for staff at TAFE, university, or placement hosts to understand your needs

Diverse Pathways works with local education providers on the Central Coast to help our participants succeed in further study — and then move into meaningful employment.

Focused on technology training, a participant uses the SLES program and NDIS funding demonstrating practical skills in a modern workspace.

What If You’re Not Working Yet?

Whether you’ve just left school or tried working before without success, it’s never too late to start. Many young people need more intensive, tailored support than general employment services offer.

At Diverse Pathways, we provide employment-related assessment, mentoring, coaching, and job matching to help participants:

• Explore their interests

• Identify barriers to employment

• Set achievable goals

• Build confidence and workplace skills

• Access job customisation to ensure a safe, productive work environment

  
  

Why Choose Diverse Pathways for SLES on the Central Coast?

We’re not just a service provider — we’re your partner in building a future filled with purpose, independence, and opportunity.

Here’s why Diverse Pathways stands out:

✅ Based in Wyong with deep connections to local employers

✅ Personalised 1:1 support and small group programs

✅ Practical, goal-oriented employment training

✅ Friendly, qualified staff with expertise in disability and career development

✅ A proven track record of successful transitions to work and study

Start Building Your Future Today

If you're ready to explore employment, education, or just want to learn more about your options after school, reach out to Diverse Pathways on the Central Coast.

📞 Call us today: 1300 348 333 📧 Email: info@diversepathways.com.au 🌐 Visit: DiversePathways.com.au📍 Location: 110 Mcpherson Road, Mardi, Wyong 2259, proudly supporting Central Coast families