A group of young people discussing job opportunities, illustrating the power of peer support and early career planning. Getting your first job is an exciting milestone – it marks a new level of independence and confidence. But your first job is really just the beginning of your career journey. For young Australians with disability, thinking beyond that first paycheck is key to building a fulfilling long-term career. In fact, having a job can expand your social network, raise your living standard, and boost your independence and self-worth. The challenge (and opportunity) now is figuring out what comes next. This guide explores career development for young people with disability after the first job – covering how to set goals, grow your skills, seek support, and plan the road ahead. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey – Next Gen Youth Employment is here to support you at every step towards a meaningful career.
From a Job to a Career: Thinking Long-Term
Landing a job and earning a wage is great, but how does that differ from building a career? Think of a job as a single step – a position you hold and the tasks you do – whereas a career is the bigger picture: a long-term journey through various jobs, experiences, and achievements in your chosen field. A job is about short-term goals (like doing your daily duties and getting paid), but a career is about long-term growth – progressing into new roles, developing yourself, and achieving your professional ambitions over time. In other words, a career might span multiple jobs and learning opportunities that build on each other.
It’s helpful to start viewing your first job as one building block of your career path. What skills are you learning now that could lead to bigger opportunities? Maybe you’re gaining customer service skills, computer knowledge, or learning how to work in a team. These are foundations you can carry into future roles. Every experience – even challenges you overcome at work – is helping shape your career. By thinking in terms of a career, you give yourself permission to dream a little bigger and plan for progress, not just survive the work week.
Career Development is a Journey, Not a Destination
It might surprise you, but career development is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, goal-setting, and improvement. It’s not a one-time thing you do and then finish – your career will evolve as you do. After all, your interests and circumstances can change, and new opportunities will appear. Embracing this mindset is especially important when you have a disability, because you might need to navigate transitions or adapt to new supports over time. The good news is that you are in the driver’s seat of this journey. You get to decide where you want to go next.
One big reason to actively manage your career development is the payoff in personal satisfaction. When you take time to plan and think about your future, you gain direction and feel more in control. Instead of just “going with the flow,” you’ll have a roadmap for where you want to head. This sense of direction can be empowering – knowing you’re working toward something that matters to you. It also boosts motivation: setting professional goals turns vague ideas like “I wish I could move up at work” into concrete actions you can start taking. Ultimately, being proactive about your career can increase your happiness on the job, because you’re aiming for roles that fit your passions and strengths. Remember, your career is yours – it should reflect what you enjoy and care about, not just what others expect. By seeing your first job as the start of a longer journey, you open the door to growth and new possibilities.
Setting Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
How do you turn a job into a career? Start by setting goals – both short-term and long-term. Goals give you clear targets to work towards and a way to measure your progress. In the short term, think about what you’d like to achieve in your current role or in the next year or so. For example, a short-term goal might be learning a new skill at work, improving your efficiency in a certain task, or taking on more responsibility in your team. Achieving these smaller goals can build your confidence and resume. Long-term goals, on the other hand, are about where you see yourself in a few years. You might aspire to a higher position (like moving from assistant to supervisor), to move into a different industry, or to turn a personal passion into a paid job down the track. It’s okay if your long-term goals feel “big” – that’s the point! They give you a guiding star to move toward.
When setting goals, try to make them SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of a vague goal like “get better at computers,” a SMART goal could be: “Complete a certified online course in Excel within 3 months and apply that knowledge to streamline our inventory tracking at work.” This goal is specific (Excel skills), measurable (completing a course), achievable (an online course in 3 months is doable), relevant (improving a work task), and time-bound (3 months). Having clear goals like this helps you focus and actually see your progress, which is super motivating.
Importantly, don’t forget to consider your personal interests and strengths when you set career goals. The most fulfilling careers are built on what you’re good at and what you enjoy. Take some time to reflect: What tasks at work do I excel in or find satisfying? What activities have I always been drawn to, even outside of work? Your answers can guide your career direction. For example, if you discover you love helping others learn, a long-term goal could be working in training or mentoring roles. If you’re a creative type who enjoys design, maybe aim to move into a creative department or role over time. Your goals should fit you – there’s no one-size-fits-all career plan.
Finally, don’t be afraid to write down your goals and share them with someone supportive (like a mentor, career counselor, or your Next Gen Youth Employment coach). Writing goals down makes them more real, and discussing them can spark ideas on how to achieve them. People with disabilities have the same desire to grow and advance as anyone else, and with constructive planning (and sometimes a bit of creativity in how you reach goals), you absolutely can achieve your career ambitions. Even if a goal feels tough, break it into smaller steps and keep at it. As one career resource notes, people with disabilities want new challenges and to get ahead, just like other employees – and with goal setting and mentoring, they can progress in their careers. Your first job is the launch pad; your goals will help you navigate the path onward.
Upskilling Through Courses and Traineeships
As you plan for the long term, one of the smartest moves you can make is upskilling – that means learning new skills or improving existing ones so you’re ready for new opportunities. The job market is always changing, and employers value candidates who keep their skills up to date. Upskilling can sound fancy, but it comes in many forms that are accessible to young people of all abilities. For example, you might take short courses to gain knowledge in a specific area, or even consider a traineeship to earn a qualification while you work.
Short courses are exactly what they sound like – brief training programs that focus on a particular skill. These could be anything from a one-day workshop (like a course on customer service or safe food handling) to a semester-long evening class at TAFE or an online certification (such as a Certificate in Business Administration or IT skills). Short courses are great for filling skill gaps quickly. Let’s say you’re working in an office and realize that improving your writing or Excel skills could help you advance – you might enroll in a short course on professional writing or an intermediate Excel course. Many are flexible and part-time, so you can do them while keeping your job. Plus, completing a course gives you a credential to add to your resume, showing employers you’re proactive about learning.
Traineeships are another fantastic pathway. A traineeship in Australia is basically a combination of paid work and structured training, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. It’s similar to an apprenticeship (which is usually for trades), but traineeships cover a wide range of industries beyond the traditional trades. For example, there are traineeships in business administration, information technology, childcare, hospitality – you name it. The big benefit of a traineeship is that you earn while you learn: you’ll have a job with an employer who supports you to complete formal training (often through TAFE or another training provider) as part of the job. By the end, you’ve got work experience and a qualification (like a Certificate III or IV) in your field. It’s a brilliant stepping stone into a career, because you come out with practical skills and a credential to progress further. Many trainees even stay on with their employer in higher roles after finishing, or use the experience to land jobs elsewhere at a higher level than they could have without the training.
When considering upskilling, focus on skills that will have the biggest impact on your career goals. You don’t have to learn everything under the sun – think strategically. If your goal is to move into a supervisor role, maybe leadership or communication training would be useful. If you’re eyeing a job in tech, perhaps build your IT or coding skills. It’s also worth exploring accessible learning resources that suit your style. Many online platforms offer courses with features like closed captions, transcripts, or self-paced modules that can accommodate different needs. And remember, learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom: you can upskill on the job too. Look for opportunities at work to take on new tasks or projects. For instance, you could ask to shadow a colleague in a role you aspire to, volunteer for a committee, or take on a small project outside your usual duties. These “stretch assignments” allow you to learn by doing and show initiative to your employer. Some workplaces even have professional development programs or can support you with tuition reimbursement if you want to study – it never hurts to ask HR or your manager what’s available.
In short, keep learning. The more skills and experience you gather, the more doors will open. Upskilling through courses or traineeships is an investment in yourself. And if you’re not sure where to start, Next Gen Youth Employment can help guide you toward the right training programs or connect you with opportunities to build the skills you need. Part of Next Gen’s mission is helping young people gain real skills and confidence through programs like SLES and other training workshops, so you can always reach out for advice on upskilling pathways.
Seeking Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Ever heard the saying, “feedback is a gift”? When it comes to growing in your career, feedback is one of your best tools for continuous improvement. Especially when you’re just starting out in the workforce, getting input on how you’re doing can help you learn faster and perform better. It can be a bit scary to ask for feedback – no one likes criticism – but constructive feedback is actually incredibly valuable. It tells you what you’re doing well (so you can keep doing it) and what you could improve (so you know where to focus your efforts). In fact, experts emphasize that feedback plays a vital role in helping all employees, including those with disabilities, advance in their careers. It’s hard to get better at something if you’re not sure how you’re doing, right?
So, how can you seek feedback? One simple way is to ask your supervisor or manager for regular check-ins. You might say, “I’m really interested in improving and growing here – could we possibly meet for 15 minutes every month to talk about how things are going?” Many managers will appreciate your initiative. In these meetings, you can ask what you’ve been doing well and if there are any areas where you could develop further. Don’t be afraid of the answer – remember, any pointers they give you are pointers you can use to get closer to your goals. Good employers know that people with disabilities want to do well and advance, just like anyone else, and they shouldn’t shy away from honest feedback. Unfortunately, sometimes managers might hesitate to give feedback to an employee with a disability because they’re unsure or overly cautious, but that actually does a disservice to the employee. If you show that you welcome feedback, you help break down that barrier. You have every right to the same constructive critiques and praise as your peers.
Besides formal feedback from a boss, consider finding a mentor. A mentor is an experienced person who can guide you, share their experiences, and provide advice as you navigate your career. They can be someone in your workplace or someone from a professional network or support program. Mentors are great because you can bounce questions off them that you might hesitate to ask your boss, and they often have a broader perspective from their own career journey. For example, a mentor can give you honest feedback about your resume or interview skills, help you identify areas to work on, and even open up networking opportunities for you. Many mentoring relationships also become strong friendships. You might find a mentor through Next Gen Youth Employment’s programs, which often connect young people with disability to industry mentors, or through alumni networks, online groups, or simply by asking someone you admire if they’d be willing to chat with you regularly about career goals. Don’t be shy – people are often flattered to be asked to mentor someone.
Beyond one-on-one feedback, you should also take time to self-reflect. After a project or a few months on the job, ask yourself: What went well? What was challenging? What new skill did I learn? This habit of reflection helps you become more self-aware and proactive. Maybe you’ll realize, “I handled customer calls really well this quarter – I’m proud of that,” or “I struggled with the new software at first, but after that extra training, I’ve got the hang of it.” Celebrate your wins and acknowledge the hurdles you’ve overcome. Self-feedback is a form of feedback too!
The key is to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement. Each day or week, think about something small you can improve or learn. Over time, those small improvements add up to major growth. And whenever you get feedback – whether it’s a formal performance review or a casual tip from a co-worker – try to embrace it. Even if it’s hard to hear in the moment, it’s information you can use to become an even better professional. As one resource on disability employment notes, employees (with or without disabilities) should continually seek out education, training, and new information to develop themselves. That proactive attitude will set you apart. So be curious, ask questions, request feedback, and show that you’re eager to learn. It’s one of the surest ways to keep climbing the career ladder.
A mentor provides guidance to a young person on a work project, illustrating how support and feedback can build confidence in one’s abilities. Remember, Next Gen Youth Employment can also play a role in your continuous improvement. Our team can provide coaching, mock interviews, or workplace advice, and we encourage participants to reflect on their progress regularly. With the right feedback and support, you’ll find yourself growing more skilled and confident every day.
From SLES to Open Employment: Evolving Your Supports
When you’re fresh out of school or just starting in the workforce, you might have accessed special supports to help you land that first job. School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is a good example – it’s an NDIS-funded program specifically designed to help young people with disability get ready for work after high school. Through SLES, you might have worked with a coach on things like identifying your job goals, building work skills, or getting some work experience before diving into open employment. Early on, supports like SLES are incredibly helpful: they give you a safe space to learn and make mistakes, and they connect you with opportunities you might not find on your own. In fact, SLES is meant to be a launching pad. Many participants use SLES as a pathway to open employment – meaning a regular job in the mainstream workforce – or even a bridge to further education. According to an NDIS report, about 21% of recent SLES participants transitioned into open (mainstream) employment, and another 12% went on to further study or volunteer work. What does that tell us? These supports work, and they’re meant to evolve as you grow.
So, what happens after you’ve used a program like SLES or similar youth employment supports? Ideally, as you gain skills and confidence, you’ll start to rely less on the specialist support and more on mainstream employment services and your own experience. This doesn’t mean you’re cut off from help – rather, it means you’re ready to integrate into the broader workforce or education system. For example, once you’ve got a job, you might transition from SLES to using standard resources like the Disability Employment Services (DES) or other job networks if you need ongoing assistance. DES providers are there to help people with health conditions or disabilities find and keep jobs in the open labor market. The difference is that programs like SLES are time-limited and focused on school leavers, whereas DES and other supports can be used by adults at various stages. It’s normal (and a good sign!) for your supports to change as you move forward. Early on, you might need more intensive coaching and skill-building. Later, you might just need occasional advice or specific accommodations.
Your NDIS plan can also change to reflect this evolution. When you first left school, your NDIS plan might have included funding for SLES to build your capacity for work. In future plan reviews, you can discuss new goals like further education or career advancement. The NDIS can fund certain employment-related supports – for instance, help with on-the-job training, a support worker to assist you at work initially, or modifications and equipment that you might need in a workplace. The exact supports depend on your individual goals and needs, and NDIS will look at what’s reasonable and necessary and not already provided by mainstream services. But the bottom line is, career planning can be part of your NDIS goals. The agency actively encourages participants who want to work, and they aim to provide the right support to build your work skills and help you find and keep a job. So make sure to speak up in your NDIS planning meetings about your employment aspirations. Let them know if you want to do a course, try a new work experience, or need support with job hunting – these can be written into your plan.
Also, keep in mind that supports like SLES are just one pathway. Mainstream options like further education are wide open to you as well. Perhaps after working for a year, you discover you have a passion for a field that requires a university degree or a TAFE diploma. There’s no reason you can’t go back to study if that’s your dream. Many people, disability or not, take winding paths – work a bit, study a bit, change careers, and so on. If further education will help your career, explore it. There are often disability support services in universities and TAFEs to ensure you have equal access (note-taking services, adaptive technology, etc.). You might also be eligible for scholarships or tutoring help. And of course, Next Gen Youth Employment can advise you on balancing work and study or transitioning between the two, since we’ve helped others navigate that path.
In summary, the support you need at 18 might look different from what you need at 25, and that’s perfectly okay. Early supports like SLES are meant to give you a strong start. As you move into open employment or higher studies, you’ll likely use more mainstream supports – but if you ever find you need disability-specific help again, those options (like DES, NDIS-funded assistance, or community programs) are still there. The ultimate goal is independence: to thrive in a job or career of your choosing with confidence. And even as you become more independent, organisations like Next Gen Youth Employment remain a friendly backup. We love hearing from past participants about how they’re doing, and we’re here if you hit a bump and need some guidance down the track.
Next Gen Youth Employment: Your Partner in Career Planning
Building a long-term career might feel overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. Next Gen Youth Employment (NGYE) is dedicated to helping young Australians with disability not just find a job, but build a sustainable, rewarding career. Think of us as a partner and mentor in your corner. We offer a range of services and programs to support your journey – from School Leaver Employment Supports for those just starting out, to ongoing career counseling, skill-building workshops, and connections to inclusive employers. Our approach is personalised and goal-focused. When you engage with Next Gen Youth Employment, we start by understanding your interests and aspirations. Are you aiming for a certain industry? Do you want to eventually start your own business? Is your goal to work full-time, or do you prefer part-time while you manage other commitments or health needs? There’s no one “right” career, only what’s right for you.
At Next Gen, we can help you map out a career plan that aligns with your goals. That might include setting those short-term and long-term goals we discussed earlier, and figuring out the steps to achieve them. For example, if your long-term goal is to work in IT, we might suggest enrolling in a relevant traineeship or short course, and we could even assist with finding a traineeship placement. If you’re already in a job but looking to advance, we can work on things like interview practice for internal promotions, or developing leadership skills so you’re ready when an opportunity comes. Our team stays up-to-date on various industries and what employers are looking for, so we can give you tips to stay competitive. We also run workshops on practical skills – common topics include resume writing, job interview techniques, communication and teamwork, and time management. These workshops are designed with accessibility in mind, so all young people, regardless of disability, can participate and learn.
Another key part of what we do is building confidence. We know that stepping into new territory – be it a new job, a course, or a higher role – can be nerve-racking. Next Gen Youth Employment coaches provide encouragement and strategies to handle these transitions. This could be through one-on-one mentoring, where you regularly meet a coach to talk through challenges and celebrate wins. It could also be through peer group sessions, where you meet others who are also in the early stages of their careers – sharing experiences can be really empowering, as you realize you’re not alone in your fears or dreams. We often see our participants go from shy and unsure to outgoing and self-assured, simply by having support and a chance to practice skills in a safe environment.
Importantly, Next Gen Youth Employment stays with you for the long haul. Our aim isn’t just to drop you into any job and wave goodbye. We want to see you thrive long-term. That means we’ll check in on you in your job, help troubleshoot any issues (maybe you need an adjustment at work or are unsure how to talk to your boss about something – we can role-play that with you), and when you’re ready to climb higher, we’ll be there to assist with the next step. We also liaise with families, schools, and employers when appropriate, to promote an inclusive, understanding environment around you. Many employers we work with are eager to find talented young people with disability to join their teams, and we help make those connections and advocate for you. We believe in not just finding a job, but the start of a fulfilling career path that can truly enrich your life.
Building a Fulfilling Future: You’ve Got This!
By now, we’ve covered a lot – from setting goals and learning new skills to seeking feedback and adjusting your supports as you grow. It might feel like a lot of work, and truth be told, building a career does take effort. But it’s also an exciting adventure. Imagine yourself five or ten years from now: What would you love to be doing? Perhaps you’ll be in a role where you excel and feel valued, maybe mentoring others who are just starting out. Maybe you’ll have expertise in a field you’re passionate about, or you’ll be known in your workplace for your leadership or creative ideas. Whatever that vision is, keep it in your mind – that’s your motivation. Every goal you set, every course you take, every bit of feedback you use to improve, is a step toward that vision. And remember, your path may not be perfectly straight. Few people’s are! You might change your mind about your direction, or an opportunity might come out of left field and take you on a detour. That’s okay. Each experience, even if unexpected, can contribute to your growth.
One piece of advice: celebrate your progress. It’s easy to always look at the mountain ahead and forget to look back at how far you’ve climbed. Take pride in how much you’ve achieved already. That first job – you earned it with your hard work. Every new skill – you put in the effort to learn it. Each time you advocated for yourself or sought help, you showed courage. Those are no small things. By acknowledging your successes, you build confidence to chase the next ones.
Finally, know that support is always available. Your journey beyond the first job doesn’t have to be a solo trek. If you’re feeling unsure about your next steps, or if you hit a challenge that’s hard to overcome, you can reach out to people who want to help – whether that’s a mentor, a family member, a peer, or a service like Next Gen Youth Employment. Sometimes just talking through your thoughts can spark a solution or restore your enthusiasm. At Next Gen Youth Employment, we take immense joy in seeing young people with disability carve out their place in the world of work. There’s nothing quite like watching someone grow from nervous newbie to confident professional. We truly believe every young person has unique talents to contribute, and with the right planning and support, those talents can shine.
Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Whether you’re planning your goals, looking for training opportunities, or considering a move into a new job or study, Next Gen Youth Employment is here to guide you. We’ve helped many young Australians with disability turn that crucial first job into a launching point for long-term success – and we’d love to help you do the same. If you have questions or need a hand with planning your career path, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact Next Gen Youth Employment today to discuss how we can support your journey beyond the first job, and keep you moving towards the bright future you deserve. Your career story is just beginning, and we’re excited to be part of it!
