School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) Programs
Diverse Pathways is an innovative organisation dedicated to providing inclusive and empowering group programs specifically designed for neurodiverse individuals and children and adults with disability. With Diverse Pathways School Leaver Employment Support Programs, our mission is to support their journey with skills & confidence for meaningful employment and personal growth.
Our holistic School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) programs extend beyond workforce preparation; they emphasise the development of vital life skills required for both personal and professional success. We are passionately committed to celebrating diversity, fostering individual development, and promoting social inclusion. These programs are focused for individuals who should be:
-
Be a school leaver transitioning from Year 10 or above.
-
Be between the ages of 15 and 22 (age limits can vary).
-
Require substantial support to transition from school to employment.
-
Participants need to have an employment goal.
At Diverse Pathways, our SLES programs offer a wide range of opportunities aimed at nurturing individual talents, honing industry-specific skills, and establishing community connections. Our objective is to unlock the full potential of neurodiverse individuals by equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in their lives.
School Leavers' Employment Support (SLES) Program Details
Duration: 2 days a week for 10 weeks, across 4 terms held on Diverse Pathways, Mardi property.
Focus: All programs prioritise safety and cover a variety of essential life skills, including time management, organisation, budgeting, meal planning, household management, and self-care.
Outcome: These programs offer practical tools and strategies to help participants lead independent and fulfilling lives, whether at home, in the workplace, or within their community.
Focus: All programs prioritise safety and encompass essential life skills, including time management, organisation, budgeting, meal planning, household management, and self-care.
These programs provide practical strategies to help participants lead independent and fulfilling lives, whether at home, in the workplace, or within their community.
Discover below are core outstanding SLES courses and opportunities at Diverse Pathways.
We look forward to supporting your journey towards personal and professional success. For more information, please get in touch with Diverse Pathways SLES team.
Life Skills SLES
This comprehensive, person-centred life skills program is designed to help participants build the confidence, capabilities, and independence needed to manage everyday life more successfully, providing the essential skills to prepare paticpants to be equiped to seek suitable employment.
Building independent skills is a vital step in helping individuals gain confidence, take control of their daily lives, and participate more fully in their communities.
This process involves learning practical abilities such as managing time, preparing meals, handling money, making decisions, maintaining personal care, using public transport, and communicating effectively.
Through structured support, real-world practice, and encouragement, participants can develop the confidence to live more independently—whether that means navigating daily routines, accessing services, learning how to book, manage and follow up appointments, or understand how to maintain a vehicle including checking tyre pressure and conduct fundamental operational and safety checks.
The goal is not just to teach tasks, but to empower individuals to make choices, solve problems, and take pride in their growing autonomy.
Hospitality SLES
Our School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program is thrilled to introduce a specialised pathway within Hospitality, featuring dedicated courses in Cooking, Bakery, Desserts, and Barista skills.
This hands-on course offers students a well-rounded
introduction to the world of food preparation and café
service, covering General Cooking, Barista Skills, Bakery, and
Desserts.
It’s designed for aspiring chefs, bakers, or hospitality workers looking to build practical skills and culinary confidence.
General Cooking introduces core kitchen techniques, food
safety, knife skills, meal planning, and preparation of savory
dishes from various cuisines.
Students learn to work efficiently in a kitchen setting and develop foundational cooking competence.
Barista Skills focuses on coffee theory and practical
espresso-based drink preparation. Students learn to use
commercial coffee machines, practice latte art, and
understand coffee bean origins, grinding, and brewing
methods for quality café service.
Bakery teaches the science and technique behind breads,
pastries, and other baked goods. Students explore yeast
breads, quick breads, and artisan baking, gaining experience
in dough handling, proofing, and baking.
Desserts covers classic and modern sweet creations such as cakes, tarts, mousses, and plated desserts. Emphasis is placed on presentation, flavor balance, and pastry techniques like tempering chocolate or working with gelatin.
By the end of the course, students will complete a showcase
menu or pop-up café project, demonstrating skills across all
areas and preparing them for work or further study in the
culinary and hospitality industries.
Carpentry SLES
Our School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program offers an exciting pathway under our Carpentry subject, featuring courses tailored for neurodiverse individuals in 'Intro to Woodwork', 'Basic Woodwork', and 'Revive and Restore'. These hands-on courses are designed to build foundational carpentry skills while encouraging creativity and practical problem-solving.
In 'Intro to Woodwork', participants will learn essential techniques such as measuring, cutting, and assembling basic wooden structures.
Basic Woodwork expands on these skills, introducing more complex projects that develop confidence in handling tools and working with different types of wood.
The 'Revive and Restore' course offers a unique opportunity to breathe new life into old furniture and wooden items, teaching restoration techniques that combine craftsmanship with sustainability.
Through these engaging and supportive courses, participants will gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue a fulfilling career in carpentry or related trades. Whether you're building from scratch or restoring the past, our Carpentry courses offer a rewarding and creative journey into the world of woodworking!
Creative Arts SLES
Our School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program offers an exciting Creative Arts pathway, featuring courses in Fundamentals of Art, Sewing and Textiles, and Photography. Designed specifically for neurodiverse individuals, these courses provide a supportive and engaging environment for developing creative talents and practical skills.
In Fundamentals of Art, participants will learn key techniques in drawing, painting, and design, building a strong artistic foundation.
The Sewing and Textiles course focuses on fabric arts, where participants will master sewing techniques, understand patterns, and create custom clothing or textile projects.
In Photography, students will explore the art of capturing stunning images, learning about composition, lighting, and editing to bring their creative visions to life.
Each course encourages self-expression and creativity while equipping participants with valuable skills that can lead to rewarding careers in the creative industries.
Whether your passion is in visual arts, crafting textiles, or photography, our Creative Arts courses offer the perfect starting point for a creative and fulfilling career!
Technology SLES
Our School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program offers an innovative pathway in Technology, featuring specialised courses in Introduction to Graphic Design, Video Editing, Basic Animation, Game Development, and Gaming. These courses are designed to empower neurodiverse individuals with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s digital and creative industries.
In Introduction to Graphic Design, participants will explore essential design principles and software, learning how to create visually compelling graphics.
The Video Editing SLES course equips students with the tools and techniques to craft professional-quality videos, while Basic Animation introduces them to the fundamentals of bringing characters and scenes to life.
The Game Development course delves into designing and building video games, from concept to creation, while the Gaming course provides insights into the gaming industry, enhancing both technical and strategic skills.
Each course offers hands-on experience and fosters creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Whether you dream of designing graphics, editing videos, animating stories, or developing games, our Technology courses provide the perfect launchpad for a dynamic career in the digital world!
Horticulture SLES
Our School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program offers a practical pathway under Horticulture, with specialised courses in Greenskeeper Essentials and Garden Care and Maintenance.
This hands-on SLES course is designed for individuals interested in outdoor work, landscaping, and groundskeeping. Focusing on Garden Maintenance and Greenkeeping Essentials, the program provides the core skills needed to care for residential gardens, parks, and recreational grounds.
Covering the fundamentals of caring for plants, lawns, and garden beds, Students learn about seasonal planting, weeding, pruning, mulching, soil care, and the safe use of basic gardening tools and equipment. Emphasis is placed on plant health, environmental awareness, and maintaining attractive, functional green spaces.
This course introduces the principles of maintaining larger grassy areas such as sports fields, golf courses, and public lawns. Topics include mowing techniques, irrigation systems, turf care, pest control, and the use of machinery like ride-on mowers and trimmers.
Throughout the program, participants will engage in seasonal garden tasks, such as planting seasonal flowers, preparing garden beds for winter, and harvesting vegetables, experiencing the beauty and rhythm of the changing seasons in the garden.
Successfully caring for and maintaining gardens instills a sense of accomplishment and pride, boosting self-esteem and confidence in participants.
By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and confidence to carry out routine garden and grounds maintenance tasks safely and effectively, preparing them for employment in landscaping, parks and recreation, or garden care services. For neurodiverse young people who love working outdoors and want to build a career in horticulture, the horticulture SLES program is the perfect place to start!
Handyperson SLES
Our School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program offers a hands-on pathway under Handyperson or General Maintenance..
Handyman Skills is a dynamic property maintenance program designed to empower neurodiverse adults to gain practical skills and experience in handyman tasks around a house and property. With a focus on fostering independence, building confidence, and promoting social inclusion, Handyman Skills offers hands-on training, personalized support, and meaningful opportunities for participants to contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of residential properties.
Participants will receive comprehensive training in a variety of handyman tasks, including basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical repairs, painting, landscaping, and general maintenance, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle common household projects with confidence. Safety is our top priority.
Participants will receive thorough instruction on safe work practices, proper tool use, and hazard awareness, ensuring a safe and secure working environment for all involved. By actively participating in property maintenance tasks, participants develop a sense of ownership and pride in their work, fostering a greater connection to the property and a deeper sense of responsibility for its upkeep. By the end of the course, students will have the skills and confidence to take on home improvement projects independently, offering a wide range of repair services and maintenance solutions both inside and outside the home.
Animal Care SLES
Our School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program offers a rewarding pathway in Animal Care, with specialised courses in Farm Animal Care SLES Program and Pet Care SLES Program.
Designed for neurodiverse individuals who are passionate about animals, these courses provide hands-on training and knowledge to prepare participants for careers in animal care.
In Farm Animal Care, participants will learn the skills needed to care for livestock, including feeding, grooming, and basic health checks, while gaining a deep understanding of farm animal behaviour and welfare.
The Pet Care SLES course focuses on the care and maintenance of household pets, covering tasks like grooming, feeding, and health monitoring, as well as understanding animal needs and communication.
Both courses equip participants with practical, real-world skills, fostering confidence and compassion as they prepare for roles in farms, pet care facilities, or animal shelters.
Whether caring for pets or farm animals, our Animal Care SLES courses provide a perfect start for anyone looking to build a fulfilling career working with animals.
Retail SLES
This practical course equips students with key skills for working in retail roles. Focusing on Customer Service, Preparation and Display, Welcoming Guests, and Handling Payments, it emphasizes professionalism, communication, and efficiency in a customer-facing environment.
Students will learn how to interact effectively with customers, handle complaints, communicate clearly, and provide a positive and helpful experience. Emphasis is placed on empathy, body language, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
This course covers the importance of first impressions, greeting procedures, and assisting customers or visitors professionally. Students develop confidence in face-to-face interactions and learn techniques for making guests feel comfortable and valued.
Introducing the use of point-of-sale (POS) systems, giving correct change, processing card payments, and understanding basic cash handling procedures. Accuracy, honesty, and customer trust are key themes.
By the end of the course, students will be able to perform front-line service duties confidently and professionally, preparing them for roles in cafes, restaurants, shops, reception areas, or customer-facing teams.
Health & Wellbeing SLES
This comprehensive course provides students with essential knowledge and practical skills to lead a healthy lifestyle and support others in achieving their wellness goals.
Focusing on Nutrition, Healthy Living, Exercise, and Training, the program empowers students to make informed choices and create balanced routines for physical and mental well-being. Exploring Nutrition and the principles of healthy eating, including understanding nutrients, micronutrients, portion control, and the role of diet in disease prevention.
Students learn how to design balanced meal plans for various dietary needs and lifestyles, emphasizing whole foods and sustainable habits.
Teaching healthy living sets the foundations of holistic well- being, including sleep hygiene, stress management, mental health, and building habits for long-term health.
Students gain insights into the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and maintaining a work-life balance. With a focus on the importance of physical activity for overall health,
Students learn about different forms of exercise and functional movement.
The course covers the benefits of exercise for weight management, cardiovascular health, and mental clarity.
By the end of the course, students will have a well-rounded understanding of how to maintain and promote physical and mental health, as well as the skills to guide others in adopting healthier lifestyles.
Administration SLES
This practical course is designed to equip students with essential office skills needed for administrative roles across a variety of industries.
Covering Microsoft Suite, Front of House Operations, Basic Office Skills, Bookkeeping, and Typing, the program prepares learners for efficient and professional workplace performance.
Students will experience hands-on training in key software tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Students learn how to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and manage emails and calendars effectively for office tasks.
Students will build the skills needed to be the first point of contact in a business setting. Focusing on customer service, professional communication, phone etiquette, visitor management, and maintaining a welcoming reception area.
Introducing students to everyday administrative tasks such as data entry, email communication, filing, organizing schedules, using office equipment (printers, scanners, etc.), and managing digital files builds a strong foundation for office roles.
By the end of the course, students will have the practical office and administrative skills needed to contribute effectively in business environments, from reception and support roles to entry-level administrative positions.