Choosing the right School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) provider is a crucial step for young people with disabilities and their families as they prepare to leave school and enter the workforce. SLES is an NDIS‑funded Finding and Keeping a Job support that covers tailored programs – including training, work experience placements, travel training and more – to build work skills and confidence. The NDIS generally provides a lump sum of funding (around $22,000 per year for up to two years) under the “Finding and Keeping a Job” category, which you can use on agreed supports. Only eligible NDIS participants (usually school leavers in their final year or recently finished, typically up to about age 22) can access SLES funding.

With SLES funding in hand, families have a choice of providers. It’s important to pick one that truly delivers on those goals. A good SLES provider will tailor supports to the young person’s interests and needs, offer real workplace training (not just classroom sessions), and keep everyone informed about progress. The NDIS encourages participants to work with providers who develop tailored plans designed to increase each person’s skills and independence. Conversely, a poor match can mean wasted time and funding without real progress.

At NextGen Youth Employment, our core service is SLES, and we focus exclusively on helping young people transition to work. We partner each participant with an experienced youth coach and arrange two days/week of supported work placements in real businesses. Our hands-on approach gives young people practical skills and confidence in safe, inclusive workplaces. When comparing providers, we recommend looking for the same kind of commitment: dedicated coaches, strong employer networks, and measurable outcomes.

Understanding SLES and What It Covers

What is SLES? School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is an NDIS‐funded capacity-building program for eligible students leaving secondary school. Its goal is to help young people with disability build work skills and confidence so they can transition into employment. SLES is not just about “getting a job” – it’s about creating a solid foundation. Supports may include things like on‐the‐job training, travel training, social skills coaching, resume and interview preparation, and work placements in open (mainstream) settings. In other words, SLES provides a bridge from school life to real work opportunities.

Eligibility and Funding. To use SLES, a young person must be an NDIS participant who is in their final year of school or has just left school (usually within the last 12 months). (In most places this means roughly up to 22 years old.) They must have goals related to finding work. During your NDIS planning meeting, you can discuss an SLES plan as part of the “Finding and Keeping a Job” category. The typical funding is about $22,000 per year for up to two years, paid as a lump‐sum budget that can be spent on SLES supports. It’s then up to you (often with a support coordinator) and your chosen provider to decide how to use that funding each year – which providers to hire, how many hours of support, and what activities to do.

Because SLES is delivered through NDIS plans, providers are bound by NDIS pricing and service rules. The NDIA’s Pricing Schedule (effective from 1 July 2026) sets recommended price limits for all supports, including SLES (under the Finding and Keeping a Job heading). In practice, SLES providers work with families to agree on an annual “pricing schedule” of supports (not an hourly rate) and include it in a written service agreement. This ensures clarity about what support will be delivered and how much of the plan it will use.

“School Leaver Employment Supports are a key initiative under the NDIS aimed at assisting young people with disabilities as they transition from school to supported employment”.
The SLES program is specifically tailored for school leavers. It builds the skills and confidence needed for work, offering “guided, hands-on experience” in real jobs. Having the right provider makes the most of this opportunity.

Why Choosing the Right Provider Matters

Under the NDIS, you have a choice of registered providers for your funded supports. This choice is a powerful tool: you can pick a provider who will give your young person exactly what they need. The NDIS Provider Handbook specifically encourages participants to “work with providers who develop tailored plans designed to increase their capacity and skills”. For SLES, that means choosing a team that understands school‐to‐work transitions and will personalise the journey from day one.

A provider’s approach can make a big difference in outcomes. For example, if a provider only offers generic group workshops or online courses, a participant may learn something but won’t get real job experience. By contrast, a good SLES provider arranges actual work placements and workplace learning. The NDIA notes that SLES supports “include work experience generally in open employment, job site training, travel training and activities that contribute to achieving an employment outcome”. If a provider can’t describe how they will deliver these concrete experiences, be cautious.

Expertise and Focus. Some organisations offer a wide range of disability services but only a small part of what they do is SLES. Others, like NextGen Youth Employment, focus solely on SLES and employment support. This specialization often means deeper expertise and more practice. For instance, NextGen highlights that it’s “one of the few nationally recognised NDIS providers that focus solely on School Leaver Employment Supports”. In practical terms, that means our staff know the latest SLES guidelines, have strong employer contacts, and live and breathe the school‐to‐work transition every day. When comparing providers, ask if SLES is their core service or just one offering among many. A focused provider may be more prepared to address every step of the journey.

Tailored Planning. The right provider will start by treating your young person as an individual. They should ask about interests, strengths and goals (sometimes through assessments or a discovery process) before creating a plan. NextGen, for example, “starts with a discovery process to understand each participant’s strengths, aspirations, and challenges,” then develops a personalised plan. You want a provider that adapts to your teen’s needs, not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Measurable Outcomes. Remember: SLES funding is meant to build real skills. Ask providers how they measure progress. Do they set regular milestones, review progress with you, and adjust the program if needed? The NDIS expects providers to report on supports delivered and participant progress at plan reviews. Good questions to ask include: “How will we know our young person is improving? What reports do you provide? How often will we meet or get updates?” Providers who treat SLES as an ongoing project (with goals, timelines and feedback) will usually serve you better than those who just show up and bill hours.

Communication and Teamwork. Your support team often includes family, support coordinators, teachers or therapists. The SLES provider should be ready to collaborate and keep you informed. Ask how they will communicate with you and others (will there be regular meetings or calls?). A provider who values family input will invite you to planning meetings and check in on how things are going. At NextGen, for instance, we build a “community around each participant – linking them with mentors, peers, and support workers” and keep families “informed and involved every step of the way”. This kind of partnership approach is a strong positive sign.

In summary, the right SLES provider will: customise their program to the individual; focus on delivering practical work placements; have experienced staff and employer connections; track and report on progress; and communicate clearly with you. Picking a provider without these qualities can mean missed opportunities, whereas a good match can transform the SLES experience into a career launch pad.

Key Factors to Check in a SLES Provider

When you’re comparing SLES providers, look at these core factors and make sure you ask about them:

• Real Workplace Experience. Ask what kinds of work placements the provider arranges. Ideally, the participant should spend time in real businesses (e.g. retail stores, offices, warehouses) to learn on the job. Avoid programs that only use simulations or only classroom instruction. Real work placements build confidence and concrete skills. For example, NextGen’s SLES program partners with an employer (Enable Australia) so participants do “structured, supported work experience 2 days per week” in real settings. This hands-on experience is exactly what SLES funding is for. Ask providers for specifics: Do they have ongoing partnerships with local businesses? How many hours of placement do participants get? Can they share examples of past placements?

• Personalised Coaching and Support. Check that the provider offers dedicated one-on-one coaching, not just group classes. Every student is different, and the provider should tailor support to individual goals. Good providers will pair the young person with an experienced coach or mentor. For example, NextGen explains that each participant is paired with a “dedicated, experienced youth coach who offers tailored, flexible one-on-one support”. You might ask: How many clients per coach? What qualifications do the coaches have (e.g. disability support experience, vocational training, allied health)? Will the coach develop an individual learning plan? Also check if they have specialists available (e.g. occupational therapists for travel training, career planners, disability educators). Personalised support helps ensure the program stays relevant and engaging for your child.

• Strong Employer Partnerships. A good provider will have a network of employers committed to hiring or training people with disability. This can greatly expand real job opportunities. At NextGen, we highlight “strong partnerships with local employers across various industries” and a “highly positive track record in placing clients”. When talking to providers, find out what industries they work with (retail, hospitality, trades, etc.) and how they match participants to jobs. Ask about their success stories: Have past participants moved into paid employment or traineeships? Hearing concrete examples (or better yet, contacting previous families or employers) can give you confidence in their network.

• Progress Tracking and Reporting. It’s important that the provider can clearly show progress toward your goals. Ask how they will track development in areas like work skills, communication, or confidence. Do they use formal progress reports or regular reviews? According to the NDIS, your support provider should prepare reports for plan reassessment that detail “the supports delivered and your progress to date”. So check: Will you receive written reports or updated plans? How often will the provider meet with you and your teen to review goals? A provider who can demonstrate measurable outcomes (e.g. moving from a work trial to a paid job) is doing SLES right.

• Communication and Family Involvement. Families and carers are often the biggest advocates for young people. A provider should welcome your involvement. Ask: Will I be invited to planning or review meetings? How can I contact the coach if I have questions? Are there regular family updates? Providers who value this partnership will make a point of listening to your input. For example, NextGen mentions they “guide families through the full range of options” and help them understand their plan. Ideally, the provider’s attitude should be that you are a teammate in this journey, not just a spectator.

• Service Agreements and Funding Use. By NDIS rules, any service must be covered by a written service agreement. Check that the provider is willing to sign a clear service agreement that outlines what supports they will deliver, how many hours or sessions, and for what price or portion of your budget. This protects you from unexpected charges or vague commitments. Plan Partners advises: “Cover yourself by setting up service agreements with your SLES providers – something we recommend everyone does with every one of their service providers”. In conversation, you can say: “We plan to split our SLES funding this year: X hours for work experience, Y hours for job coaching, etc. Can we write that into our agreement?” Also discuss how any unspent hours or changes will be handled. A transparent agreement shows a professional approach.

• Reputation and Experience. Research potential providers’ reputations. Are they a registered NDIS provider? (They should be listed on the NDIS provider finder.) How long have they been doing SLES? Can they share testimonials or success stories? It helps to see if previous families are happy. Plan Partners suggests “research providers to ensure their customers generally have good things to say”. You might check online reviews, ask support coordinators, or attend an information session if available. Established providers often have proven outcomes. For example, NextGen proudly shares stories like “Jayden is thriving as a warehouse assistant” after completing SLES with them. A track record of success is a positive sign.

• Support Beyond SLES. Think ahead to life after SLES. Will the provider help transition into ongoing employment or further supports? Some SLES providers also offer assistance with applying for Disability Employment Services (DES) or other post-SLES programs. Ask if they help with job applications or connections after the SLES contract ends. NextGen, for instance, prepares school leavers for the next steps in supported or open employment and celebrates when they “continue to grow within their roles”. Choosing a provider who cares about long-term outcomes can smooth the path from school to steady work.

Questions to Ask SLES Providers

When you meet or interview potential SLES providers, use this checklist of questions to compare and contrast:

• What experience do you have working with school leavers?
  (“Have you specialised in SLES before?”) You want a provider who knows the school‐to‐work transition well. Listen for answers about how long they’ve run SLES programs and how many participants they’ve supported.

• What will the program look like day-to-day?
  (Hours per week, schedule of activities.) A good provider can sketch a typical weekly schedule: for example, how many hours of in-class training vs. worksite placement. Ask if the schedule is flexible and how changes are handled.

• What kind of work placements and employers do you arrange?
  (“Can you describe some host employers or industries you work with?”) You want to hear about real businesses. Note if they mention familiar local companies or known inclusive employers. If possible, ask for examples of recent placement sites or success stories.

• Who will coach or train my child?
  (“What are their qualifications and experience?”) Providers should have staff with relevant backgrounds (e.g. vocational trainers, disability support workers, career counselors). Do they have NDIS Worker Screening? Make sure each staff member is skilled in disability inclusion. If you meet them, see if they engage well.

• How do you measure progress and keep families informed?
  (“How often do we get updates or meet with the team?”) Look for structured reviews. Providers might have formal reports or informal check-ins. You can say: “Our NDIS plan requires progress reports; how will you provide those?” A good answer will mention regular meetings or written progress logs.

• Can we talk to current or former participants/families?
  (“Do you have testimonials or references?”) Some providers may allow you to call or email a parent who’s been through their program (with permission). Hearing about another family’s experience can be very revealing.

• How does the service agreement and funding work?
  (“What will be included in our agreement? How many hours/sessions?”) The provider should explain how they will use the SLES budget. For example, you might say: “We have X hours per week for 1 year – how will those be allocated?” Check if they expect payment only from the SLES funds and whether you need to provide any invoicing information.

• What happens if something isn’t working out?
  (“If progress stalls or goals change, how do we adapt?”) A mature provider will have a contingency plan (e.g. adjust placement, try a different role, or bring in extra support).

• Are you a registered NDIS provider?
  All SLES providers must be. Confirm their registration number. Being registered means they meet NDIS standards and billing requirements.

• What support do you offer after the SLES period?
  (“Will you help with ongoing job support or next steps?”) Some providers may assist with referrals to DES or help with applications for further training. Ask if they have relationships with DES agencies or other post-school programs.

These questions help compare providers. Write down their answers to see who checks all the boxes. Remember, you can work with more than one provider if needed – SLES funding is flexible, and some families split their budget among specialists (e.g. one provider for travel training, another for job coaching).

Tips from Industry Guides

Industry experts and NDIS resources offer additional advice:

• Spread your funding. Plan Partners recommends using multiple providers for different strengths (to get “the most flexibility” out of your budget). For example, one provider may excel in work placements while another offers group workshops.

• Do your research. Check reviews or ask for feedback. As Plan Partners notes, “It’s important you’re getting value for your money and making progress on your goals, so try to research providers to ensure their customers generally have good things to say”. Social media groups, forums, or your support coordinator can also help identify reputable providers in your area.

• Use the NDIS provider finder. The NDIS website has a directory you can filter by “Find and Keep a Job – School Leavers” supports. This can help you find registered SLES providers near you. Also look at their websites for success stories or FAQs.

• Support Coordinators and other allies. If you have a support coordinator, they can help match you to providers. The NDIS fact sheet notes that support coordinators often “work closely with participants… and then help them select and connect with the best providers”. Teachers, LACs or other families may also have referrals.

• Check the NDIS Employment Provider Reports. The NDIA publishes quarterly reports on employment supports (including SLES). While technical, these can indicate how well providers are performing. You can ask providers if they participate in reporting and what their latest outcomes were.

Contact NextGen Youth Employment for Help

Choosing a SLES provider can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re searching for “SLES providers near me” or “NDIS SLES providers”, remember that NextGen Youth Employment is a specialised SLES provider ready to assist. We have years of experience delivering “structured, real-world work experiences” and personalised coaching to young people in our community. Our friendly team can answer your questions about SLES, review your NDIS plan, and help you make an informed decision.

Get in touch with NextGen Youth Employment today for more information or assistance. We can guide you through the eligibility process, walk you through potential support options, and even help you draft questions to ask any SLES provider. We offer free information sessions and will work alongside you to ensure the supports truly match your goals. Contact us now – we’re here to help your teen find their path to meaningful work.

Sources: Official NDIS guidelines, SLES provider resources and NextGen Youth Employment program information were used to compile this guide. These recommendations align with NDIS best practice and aim to help families make confident, informed choices.