School Leaver Employment NDIS: What the Latest Report Means for Participants in Australia
The National Disability Insurance Agency has released its latest School Leaver Employment NDIS report, highlighting what’s working when it comes to helping young participants transition from school into employment.
If you’re a participant, parent, or support coordinator, this update gives clear insight into:
• What employment supports actually lead to jobs
• What skills matter most
• How to improve employment outcomes under the NDIS
What Is the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) Program?
The School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program is an NDIS-funded support designed to help young participants:
• Build skills for work
• Gain workplace experience
• Transition into paid employment
The latest report analysed 8,531 school leavers across Australia receiving SLES supports.
Key Findings from the NDIS Employment Report
1. Skill Development Drives Employment Outcomes
Nearly 47% of training time was spent on core work readiness skills, including:
• Communication
• Social interaction
• Workplace behaviour
• Confidence building
Participants who focused more on these skills were more likely to gain employment.
2. Work Experience Increases Job Success
One of the strongest predictors of employment was time spent in real work environments.
Participants who completed more work experience were more likely to:
• Transition into paid employment
• Build confidence in workplace settings
• Apply practical skills
3. 614 Participants Secured Paid Jobs
The report showed that 614 participants moved into paid employment, working in industries such as:
• Retail
• Hospitality
• Trades
• Manufacturing
Most participants worked up to 21 hours per week, showing that flexible employment pathways are achievable under the NDIS.
What Makes NDIS Employment Supports Successful?
The report identified four key factors that lead to better employment outcomes:
• Employer engagement and job customisation
• Development of real work skills
• Access to work experience opportunities
• Strong communication and social skills
Without these, employment outcomes are significantly lower.
What This Means for NDIS Participants and Families
This report confirms an important truth:
Not all NDIS employment supports deliver the same results.
To improve employment outcomes, participants should look for supports that include:
• Practical skill training (not just theory)
• Real workplace experience
• Personalised job pathways
• Ongoing support and guidance
How DisabilityCo Supports Employment Outcomes
At DisabilityCo, employment support focuses on real outcomes, not just activities.
Our approach includes:
• Building confidence and communication skills
• Supporting participants through real work experience
• Creating personalised employment pathways
• Helping participants transition into meaningful work
Why This NDIS Report Matters
The NDIS is placing stronger focus on:
• Measurable employment outcomes
• Practical skill development
• Long-term independence
This means providers and participants need to shift from:
“participation” → “real employment results”
Final Takeaway
The latest School Leaver Employment NDIS report makes one thing clear:
The more practical, personalised, and experience-based the support is, the better the outcome.
Looking for NDIS Employment Support?
If you or someone you support is preparing for employment, choosing the right provider matters.