How to Start Your Job Search as a Young Person with a Disability

Finishing school is a huge milestone, but it can also leave you wondering, “What comes next?” If you’re a young person with a disability, that question can feel especially big. You might be excited about independence and earning your own money, but unsure where to begin your job search. Maybe you’ve heard of School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) through the NDIS, but don’t really know what it means or how it can help.

The truth is, everyone’s career journey starts somewhere — and with the right support, your first step into employment can be positive, achievable and even fun. This guide explains how to start your job search after school, what SLES actually involves, and how Next Gen Youth Employment can support you every step of the way.

Step 1 – Get to Know Yourself and Your Goals

Before you rush into job hunting, it helps to know a bit more about yourself. Think about what you enjoy, what you’re good at and what kind of workplace will help you thrive. Ask yourself questions like:

Which school subjects or hobbies did I enjoy most?
Do I like working with people, or do I prefer working quietly on my own?
What sort of tasks make me feel proud or satisfied?

Having a disability might mean you approach work differently, but it can also give you unique strengths — maybe you’re an excellent problem-solver, detail-oriented, creative, or have strong empathy and communication skills. Focusing on what you can do (rather than what you can’t) builds confidence and helps you choose roles that suit your interests and abilities.

You could try an online career quiz, talk with your parents or teachers, or sit down with a Next Gen Youth Employment coach. As part of our SLES program, we guide young people through career profiling, helping you identify your strengths and match them with real-world jobs.

Knowing your goals gives you direction. Whether your dream is to work with animals, learn a trade, join a retail team, or start in administration, SLES can help you build the specific skills you’ll need.

Step 2 – Understand What SLES Is and How It Works

What is SLES?

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) is an NDIS-funded program designed to help young people with disability transition from school to employment. It’s aimed at students in their final year or those who have recently finished Year 12.

SLES focuses on building work readiness — the practical, social and personal skills that make it easier to find and keep a job. It’s flexible, person-centred and tailored to your goals. You can receive up to two years of support after finishing school, all funded under your NDIS plan (under the “Finding and Keeping a Job” category).

How does SLES help?

Through SLES, you’ll receive individual coaching and small-group activities that help you:

develop job-ready skills such as teamwork, time management and communication
explore career pathways suited to your interests and abilities
learn how to write a resume and practise interview techniques
take part in work experience placements or short courses
build independence skills like budgeting, travel training and workplace etiquette
grow your confidence so you feel prepared to enter the workforce

Why choose Next Gen Youth Employment for SLES?

At Next Gen Youth Employment, we specialise exclusively in SLES. Our team works with young people across Melbourne and wider Victoria, providing one-on-one mentoring and small group workshops that build real-world skills. We understand that everyone learns differently, so our programs are flexible — we adapt to your pace, goals and interests.

Many of our participants go on to secure part-time work, traineeships or apprenticeships after completing SLES. Others continue with further education or training through TAFE. Whatever your pathway, we’ll support you to move forward with confidence.

Step 3 – Getting Started with SLES Through the NDIS

If you’re an NDIS participant in Year 12 (or you finished school recently), you can ask to have SLES funding included in your plan. Here’s how to get started:

Talk to your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). Tell them you want to build work readiness and transition into employment after school.
Ask for “School Leaver Employment Supports” to be added under the “Finding and Keeping a Job” category of your plan.
Once SLES is approved, you can choose your provider — and that’s where Next Gen Youth Employment comes in.
We’ll meet with you and your family to design a personalised plan that matches your strengths, interests and goals.

SLES is completely funded by the NDIS, so there’s no cost to you or your family. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, contact Next Gen Youth Employment and we’ll help you check. We can even assist with preparing for your NDIS planning meeting to make sure the right supports are included.

Step 4 – Build Your Job-Ready Skills

Resume and Cover Letter Writing

Writing a resume might feel intimidating if you’ve never had a job before, but don’t worry — everyone starts somewhere. In SLES, we’ll help you create a simple, professional resume that highlights your strengths, education, volunteer work and achievements. You’ll also learn how to write a short cover letter tailored to each job.

Together, we’ll identify the “transferable skills” you already have — like teamwork from sport, reliability from helping at home, or communication skills from volunteering. Employers love seeing those qualities.

Interview Practice

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re just conversations about you and your potential. As part of SLES, Next Gen runs mock interviews so you can practise common questions and learn to talk about your skills confidently. We’ll also show you how to prepare questions for employers, what to wear and how to manage nerves on the day.

Workplace Etiquette and Soft Skills

Employers value people who are punctual, respectful and positive. SLES includes sessions on workplace etiquette, teamwork, handling feedback and problem-solving. You’ll get a feel for what to expect in different environments, from offices to hospitality or retail.

Life Skills for Independence

Getting and keeping a job isn’t just about work experience — it’s also about independence. That’s why SLES covers life skills like time management, using public transport, budgeting your pay, and balancing work with personal life. These skills help you thrive once you’re employed.

Step 5 – Explore Work Experience and Volunteering

One of the best ways to figure out what type of work you like is to try it out. Through SLES, Next Gen arranges work experience placements with local businesses around Melbourne and Victoria.

These placements give you the chance to:

test out different job types
practise workplace communication
gain real references for your resume
learn what a typical workday feels like

Sometimes a work experience placement even turns into a paid role!

If you’re not ready for paid employment yet, volunteering can be an excellent starting point. Volunteering at a local op shop, community centre or animal shelter helps you build skills, meet people and grow your confidence. It also shows future employers that you’re motivated and community-minded.

Next Gen can help match you with safe, supportive volunteer opportunities that suit your interests and accessibility needs. Every bit of experience counts.

Step 6 – Search for Jobs with the Right Tools

When you’re ready to start applying for work, it helps to know where to look.

Here are some great places for young job seekers in Victoria:

1. Online Job Boards

Websites like Seek, Indeed, Jora and Workforce Australia list thousands of job opportunities. You can filter by location, hours, and job type. Setting up email alerts for new roles makes it easier to stay on top of fresh opportunities.

2. JobAccess

The Australian Government’s JobAccess website is full of practical advice for people with disability. It includes information about inclusive employers, workplace adjustments, and your rights at work.

3. Local Opportunities

Don’t overlook community noticeboards, council websites or Facebook groups — smaller employers often advertise there. Local libraries, neighbourhood houses and youth centres sometimes post casual or part-time jobs too.

4. Word of Mouth

Let your family, friends, teachers and neighbours know you’re looking for work. Many first jobs come from personal connections. Your SLES coach at Next Gen can also reach out to our network of inclusive employers across Melbourne who regularly take on young people for entry-level roles.

5. Apprenticeships and Traineeships

If you’re interested in learning a trade or earning while you learn, a traineeship or apprenticeship could be perfect. Next Gen can help you explore these pathways and prepare applications for programs across Victoria.

Remember: it’s okay if you don’t find something straight away. The job market can take time, and persistence is key. Celebrate small wins along the way — getting an interview, receiving feedback, or improving your resume are all steps forward.

Step 7 – Use Your Community and Networks

You might think, “I don’t have a network yet,” but you probably have more connections than you realise. Networks include anyone who might help or give advice — teachers, family friends, community leaders, coaches, or people you’ve met through volunteering.

Let them know you’re keen to work. Sometimes opportunities pop up when you least expect them. Maybe someone knows about a new café opening nearby or a business looking for a reliable casual worker.

Through SLES, Next Gen also connects participants with local employers and community partners who understand the value of inclusive workplaces. These connections can open doors that might otherwise be hard to find on your own.

Networking isn’t about asking for favours — it’s about building relationships. Show enthusiasm, ask questions, and be open to learning. People remember a positive attitude.

Step 8 – Set Small Goals and Celebrate Progress

Looking for work can be a long process, but breaking it into small, achievable goals makes it much easier. Here are some examples of goals you might set during your job search:

Write or update your resume this week.
Apply for one job each week.
Practise answering three interview questions.
Try one new volunteer role or short course.

Each time you tick off a goal, give yourself credit — you’re getting closer to employment. Even rejections are part of the process; every application teaches you something new.

In SLES, your Next Gen coach will help you set weekly and monthly goals, track your progress, and celebrate your wins. Confidence grows when you see how far you’ve come.

Step 9 – Stay Positive and Look After Yourself

Job searching can feel stressful sometimes, especially if you don’t get quick results. It’s normal to feel frustrated or nervous. The most important thing is to stay positive and look after your wellbeing.

Here are a few tips:

Keep a routine. Set aside regular times each week for job searching or skill-building.
Take breaks. Balance your search with hobbies, exercise and social time.
Talk about it. Share your progress and challenges with your family, friends or your Next Gen coach.
Acknowledge growth. Remember, every step – even small ones – gets you closer to your goal.

At Next Gen, we know confidence doesn’t appear overnight. That’s why our SLES program includes activities focused on self-esteem, motivation and resilience. You’ll be surrounded by people who believe in you and celebrate your achievements.

Step 10 – Transitioning Into Employment

When you’ve built your skills and feel ready, your Next Gen coach will help you move from SLES into real employment. This transition might look different for everyone:

Some young people move straight into paid part-time work.
Others start a traineeship or apprenticeship.
Some choose further study at TAFE while working casually.

Whatever your pathway, you won’t be alone. Next Gen continues to support you as you adjust to your new role — offering advice, workplace visits, and regular check-ins to make sure everything’s going smoothly.

We also work closely with employers to ensure your workplace is inclusive, accessible and supportive. Our goal isn’t just to help you get a job, but to help you keep it and enjoy it.

Success Story: From School Leaver to Confident Employee

When Tahlia, a Melbourne school leaver with autism, joined Next Gen’s SLES program, she wasn’t sure what kind of job she wanted. She felt anxious about interviews and doubted she had any “real” skills. Through SLES, Tahlia worked one-on-one with her coach to build confidence, practise interviews, and complete work experience at a local childcare centre.

Within a year, she secured a part-time role as an assistant educator and is now studying for her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education at TAFE. “I didn’t think I could do it,” she says, “but Next Gen helped me believe in myself.”

Stories like Tahlia’s show that with the right support, young people with disability can move from uncertainty to independence and pride.

Why SLES Works

SLES isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. It’s flexible, supportive and focused on long-term success. The most powerful part of SLES is that it gives you time and space to learn, experiment and grow before stepping into open employment.

You’re not rushed into a job before you’re ready; instead, you gain the tools, confidence and experience you need. It’s a bridge between school and work — and for many young people, that bridge changes everything.

At Next Gen Youth Employment, we’ve seen SLES transform lives. Participants who once felt unsure now speak confidently in interviews, travel independently, and contribute to their workplaces with pride. That’s the power of the right support.

Taking the First Step with Next Gen Youth Employment

Starting your first job search as a young person with a disability can feel like a big leap — but you don’t have to make it alone. With the help of School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and the guidance of Next Gen Youth Employment, you can turn that leap into a smooth, supported transition.

Here’s how we can help you right now:

Chat with us – We’ll explain SLES in plain language and answer your questions about NDIS funding and eligibility.
Personalised planning – Together, we’ll design a program based on your goals, whether that’s part-time work, a traineeship or future study.
Practical support – From resume writing to interview preparation and work placements, we’ll build your confidence step by step.
Real results – We’ll connect you with inclusive employers and ongoing mentoring to ensure your transition into work is successful.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Finding your first job after school is a big step, but it’s one you can take with the right support. Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out today. The important thing is to start — one small step at a time.

With SLES, you’ll gain the skills, experience and confidence you need to move into meaningful work. And with Next Gen Youth Employment by your side, you’ll have a dedicated team cheering you on, helping you navigate challenges and celebrating every win along the way.

Ready to take the first step towards your future?

Contact Next Gen Youth Employment today to learn more about our Melbourne-based SLES program. We’ll help you turn your goals into action, your skills into opportunities, and your dreams into a career you love.

Visit nextgenye.com.au or call us today to chat with our friendly team.

Your journey to employment starts here — and Next Gen is here to walk beside you every step of the way.