NDIS School Leaver Supports South Australia: SLES Guide & Line Items
Transitioning from high school to post-secondary pathways is a major milestone for young adults with a disability. In South Australia, NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) provide targeted capacity-building funding to prepare Year 12 leavers for work, vocational training, and independent adult life.
This operational guide details NDIS Category 10 funding rules, SLES line item codes, work readiness capabilities, and how to request school leaver supports across Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Understanding NDIS Category 10 (SLES) Funding Rules
SLES is funded under Capacity Building – Category 10 (Finding and Keeping a Job). It focuses on developing essential employment skills rather than providing immediate job placements:
| School Leaver Support Stream | NDIS Budget Category & Line Item | Operational Focus & Work Readiness Goals |
|---|---|---|
| School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) | Capacity Building – Category 10 (10_021_0102_5_3) |
Individualized 1-on-1 and group work readiness training, resume building, and work experience placements. |
| Customized Employment Support | Capacity Building – Category 10 (10_016_0102_5_3) |
Tailored job matching, micro-enterprise setup, and workplace support for participants with complex needs. |
| Disability Employment Services (DES) Transition | Mainstream Government Pathway (Non-NDIS) | Direct job placement assistance through open employment agencies once work-ready. |
| Post-School Life Skills Mentoring | Capacity Building – Category 15 (15_037_0117_1_3) |
Mentoring for public transport training, personal budgeting, and daily living skills required for work independence. |
Core Skill Modules Covered in SLES Training
- Work Readiness & Professional Etiquette: Training on workplace communication, team collaboration, attendance, and professional standards.
- Resume Building & Interview Preparation: Step-by-step guidance in writing resumes, preparing cover letters, and practicing job interviews.
- Supported Work Experience Placements: Coordinating short-term work experience trials across South Australian businesses to explore career interests.
- Travel Training & Public Transit Skills: 1-on-1 coaching to master local Adelaide Metro bus, train, and tram routes to reach workplaces independently.
How to Secure SLES Funding in Your NDIS Plan
- Include Work Goals in Year 11/12: Ensure your NDIS plan review explicitly states employment goals (e.g., "I want to gain work readiness skills and transition into employment after leaving school").
- Request Category 10 Allocation: Ask your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS Planner for funding under Finding and Keeping a Job (Category 10).
- Partner with an SA SLES Provider: Connect with registered NDIS providers across Adelaide to design a tailored 2-year SLES transition roadmap.
Arrange School Leaver Support & SLES Mentoring
Speak with our South Australian team to arrange 1-on-1 work readiness mentors, travel training, or SLES coordination.
Contact Alliance Care SupportHow Alliance Care Support Assists
Alliance Care Support provides registered NDIS school leaver employment supports and capacity-building mentoring across Adelaide and South Australia.
Our Support Capabilities:
- 1-on-1 SLES Mentors: Dedicated mentors providing hands-on work readiness coaching, interview practice, and travel training.
- Community & Work Experience Access: Practical support during workplace trials and vocational skill activities.
- Transparent Service Agreements: Billing structured strictly in line with official NDIS Price Guide limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)?
SLES is an NDIS capacity-building support (Category 10) designed to help Year 12 school leavers build work readiness skills, gain work experience, and transition successfully into open or supported employment.
What NDIS line item covers School Leaver Employment Supports?
School Leaver Employment Supports are funded under Capacity Building - Finding and Keeping a Job using line item 10_021_0102_5_3.
How long can a participant receive SLES funding under the NDIS?
SLES funding is generally available for up to two years after leaving school. It provides tailored, intensive work-readiness training to help participants transition into sustainable employment.
How does NDIS SLES differ from Disability Employment Services (DES)?
SLES is an NDIS capacity-building program focused on skill-building, work experience, and job readiness training. DES is a mainstream government service focused directly on job placement and ongoing workplace support once a person is job-ready.
Next Steps
- Check Category 10 Budget: Verify funding under Finding and Keeping a Job in your NDIS plan.
- Outline Transition Priorities: Identify key focus areas (e.g., resume writing, travel training, or work trials).
- Connect with Our SA Team: Contact Alliance Care Support to match with a dedicated school leaver mentor.
To learn more about organizing SLES and school leaver supports in South Australia, contact Alliance Care Support today.