Leaving school and stepping into the working world can feel exciting and overwhelming – especially for young people with disability. The good news is you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Mentorship can be a powerful asset for youth transitioning from school to employment, providing guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights. At Next Gen Youth Employment, we’ve seen first-hand how having a mentor (or “Youth Coach,” as we call them) can boost confidence and open doors for young people in their early careers. In this friendly guide, we’ll explore the benefits of mentorship for young people with disability, share practical examples of how mentors help build skills like communication and problem-solving, explain formal vs. informal mentoring, and outline how programs like School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) offer career mentoring SLES participants can rely on. We’ll also give you tips on finding a mentor and making the most of that relationship. By the end, you’ll see why mentorship for young people with disability is such a game-changer – and how Next Gen can support you on your journey. Let’s dive in!

The Benefits of Mentorship for Young People with Disability

Mentorship is more than just having someone to ask questions – it’s about learning from someone who’s been down a similar path and wants to help you succeed. For youth with disability moving from school into the workforce, a good mentor can be like a personal career guide and cheerleader rolled into one. Research consistently shows that mentorship offers a range of positive outcomes for young people with disabilities during this transition. For example, mentoring relationships have been linked to improvements in job training, educational attainment, career planning, social skills, self-esteem, and even work ethic for young mentees. In other words, a mentor can help you build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in work and in life.

Let’s break down some of the key ways a mentor can accelerate your post-school work journey:

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

One of the biggest boosts a mentor can give you is confidence. Leaving the familiar structure of school and entering the “real world” of jobs can be intimidating. A mentor provides encouragement, celebrates your strengths, and helps you see challenges as opportunities to grow. Over time, having someone believe in you rubs off – you start believing in yourself more. In fact, studies note that mentoring often improves self-confidence and self-determination in youth with disabilities. Through regular check-ins and positive feedback, mentors cultivate a sense of self-efficacy in their mentees. This means you feel more capable of handling problems and pursuing your goals.

Practical example: Think of Lucas’s story. Lucas is a young man on the autism spectrum who felt anxious about working in a large office setting. Through Next Gen’s program, Lucas was paired with a youth coach who mentored him on social strategies and workplace skills. With his mentor’s support, Lucas grew from being anxious about office communication to confidently engaging with colleagues and supervisors. His mentor’s reassurance and tips for overcoming social anxiety helped Lucas build the self-esteem to thrive in a busy government traineeship. Today, he’s excited about his future and proud of what he’s achieved – a transformation that mentorship helped spark.

Improving Communication and Social Skills

Good communication is a cornerstone of workplace success, and it’s an area where mentors can help you shine. A supportive mentor will model effective communication techniques – from how to speak up during meetings to how to handle difficult conversations – and let you practice in a safe space. Mentors often act as role models, demonstrating communication strategies and even non-verbal social cues that young people can absorb and use in their own lives. For youth who might struggle with social skills or feel shy, this guidance is invaluable. Over time, interacting with your mentor can make you more comfortable in group settings and better at expressing yourself.

Practical example: Consider a scenario many of us face: You’re preparing for a job interview but feel tongue-tied and nervous. A mentor can step in as a practice partner, conducting mock interviews with you. They might give feedback like “try answering this question with a personal story” or teach you calming techniques to manage anxiety. By the time the real interview comes, you’ve honed your responses and body language. Many SLES participants at Next Gen go through exactly this kind of mentor-led practice. It pays off – with each session, their speaking skills improve and their interview confidence grows. In fact, Next Gen’s approach to workplace mentoring in Australia includes role-play exercises where a career coach and participant simulate interviews in a friendly setting. A mentee might start out shaky, but end up smiling and engaging comfortably by the end of a mock interview session. Those communication skills carry forward into real workplace interactions, from interviews to day-to-day teamwork.

Goal-Setting and Problem-Solving Skills

After school, the path ahead can seem like a tangle of choices: What career do I want? How do I get there? Mentors help cut through that confusion by teaching you how to set goals and solve problems step by step. Mentorship often involves guidance from experienced professionals on exploring career options, setting achievable goals, and developing a plan to reach them. A mentor can work with you to identify your strengths and interests, then translate those into short-term and long-term goals. Equally important, they can share problem-solving strategies for the obstacles you’ll encounter along the way. Whether it’s tackling the lack of work experience, figuring out transportation to a job, or deciding between further study and work, a mentor brings perspective and ideas from their own journey.

Practical example: Imagine you’re interested in technology but aren’t sure how to turn that into a career. An experienced mentor in the IT field could help you set a goal like “get an entry-level IT support job” and then outline steps to get there – for instance, recommending a short course in networking, helping you practice technical interview questions, or even arranging a workplace tour. If you hit a roadblock (say, a course is too expensive or not accessible), your mentor helps you brainstorm alternatives or find resources. This way, you learn to break big problems into manageable pieces. Over time, these problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions become second nature. You start approaching challenges at work (and in life) with more confidence and creativity, knowing you have a toolbox of strategies your mentor helped you build.

Job Readiness and Workplace Know-How

Perhaps the most concrete way a mentor accelerates your journey is by making you job-ready. This includes all the practical skills and knowledge that turn you from a school leaver into a young professional. Mentors can assist with things like resume building, job-search strategies, interview techniques, workplace etiquette, and understanding industry expectations. They essentially help you “learn the ropes” of the working world faster than you would on your own. According to mentoring research, youth with disabilities who have mentors show improvements in job readiness and job-seeking skills, along with greater confidence in using employment supports. Simply put, you become more prepared to find and keep a job.

Practical example: Think of Next Gen’s SLES program and how it integrates mentorship with skill-building. Each participant works one-on-one with a Next Gen youth coach on all facets of job preparation. For example, you’ll practice writing resumes and cover letters, get guidance on workplace behavior, and even try work experience placements to build your confidence. Alex’s story is a great illustration – Alex is a young man with an intellectual disability who loved working with his hands but didn’t know how to start a career in carpentry. Through mentorship, his Next Gen coach helped him develop time management and teamwork skills, building the confidence he needed to succeed on a work site. They even arranged a pre-apprenticeship course to get Alex job-ready. With his mentor’s ongoing support (including on-site mentoring during his apprenticeship), Alex adapted quickly to his new role and impressed his employers. This kind of NDIS mentor support youth employment initiatives provide – such as on-the-job mentoring – makes a huge difference in easing the transition from student to employee.

Beyond these specific areas, mentorship offers intangible benefits too. It provides moral support – someone to vent to when you’re frustrated and to celebrate with when you succeed. It expands your network, since mentors often introduce you to contacts or opportunities in their field. And it reinforces a positive identity: having a mentor who understands disability can help you develop a strong sense of self and pride in your abilities. Many mentees report feeling less isolated and more hopeful about their future because of their mentor. All together, it’s clear that a mentor can accelerate your work journey after school by equipping you with skills, confidence, and connections that might otherwise take years to develop on your own.

Formal vs. Informal Mentoring: Two Paths to Support

Not all mentoring looks the same. In fact, you might already have “informal” mentors in your life without calling them that. It’s helpful to understand the difference between formal and informal mentoring – and know that both can play a role in supporting your career journey.

Formal Mentoring

Formal mentoring is structured, goal-oriented, and usually part of an organized program. In a formal mentoring setup, you typically get matched with a mentor through a service or institution, and there are defined expectations. For example, Next Gen Youth Employment’s SLES program is a formal mentoring model – we pair each participant with a dedicated Youth Coach (mentor) and have regular check-ins built into the program. Formal mentoring often involves setting specific goals (like improving interview skills or obtaining a certain qualification) and working through a plan to achieve them. Programs like these ensure everyone who wants a mentor can have one, and they help create equitable access for people who might not find mentors on their own.

Formal mentoring usually has some supervision or coordination behind the scenes. Mentors might receive training, and there may be a program coordinator checking that the mentor-mentee meetings are happening consistently. The structure can be a big plus – it provides accountability and clear milestones. However, formal programs also aim to pair you with someone compatible; many use questionnaires or profiles to match interests so that the relationship clicks. At Next Gen, for instance, we take time to understand a new participant’s interests and needs before matching them with a Youth Coach who has relevant experience. This thoughtful pairing helps build a strong mentoring relationship from the start.

Informal Mentoring

Informal mentoring is more spontaneous and grows naturally out of personal connections. Think of a teacher who takes you under their wing, a family friend who gives you career advice over coffee, or a senior co-worker who shows you the ropes – these are all informal mentors. There’s no official program or contract; instead, the relationship develops organically, often becoming a friendship as much as a mentorship. You might meet an informal mentor through networking, community events, or mutual interests. For example, if you volunteer at a local community center, you might bond with one of the organizers who then starts guiding you on school or job decisions.

Informal mentorships tend to be flexible and driven by the mentee’s initiative. They can last for many years and cover a broad range of life topics, not just career. One of the great things about informal mentors is that you might feel more at ease – since the relationship isn’t part of a formal process, it often feels relaxed and highly personalized. The downside is that not everyone finds these connections easily. It can take confidence to ask someone, “Will you be my mentor?” in an informal setting, and some young people (especially those from underrepresented groups) may not have equal access to potential mentors in their circle.

Both types of mentoring have their value. You don’t have to choose one or the other. In fact, many people benefit from both at different times. You might start with a formal mentor assigned through a program like SLES to get you started, and over time also develop informal mentoring relationships with people you meet in work or community settings. The key is knowing that help is available in various forms. If you don’t happen to have a natural mentor in your life right now, formal programs like Next Gen’s ensure you still get that guidance. And if you do have a great informal mentor (say, a supportive teacher or an older friend), that’s fantastic – you can lean on them and still seek out additional formal mentoring for more targeted career help. The ultimate goal is to surround yourself with supportive people. As the saying goes, “No one succeeds alone.”

Accessing Career Mentoring Through SLES and Next Gen Youth Employment

If you’re a young person with disability in Australia who’s leaving school, you may be eligible for a special kind of formal mentoring support called School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES). SLES is an initiative under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) designed to help school leavers transition into work or further education. Essentially, it provides funding and programs for career mentoring, skill-building, and work experience to set you up for employment success. Programs like Next Gen Youth Employment focus solely on SLES – meaning our entire mission is to deliver NDIS mentor support (youth employment focused) to help you move from the classroom into the workforce.

So, how does SLES mentorship actually work? At Next Gen, it starts with pairing each young person with a Youth Coach (mentor) from day one. Your Youth Coach is your go-to supporter – a bit like a career personal trainer. They will get to know you, understand your goals and any challenges you face, and then work with you regularly to build your skills and confidence. This one-on-one mentoring is ongoing. It isn’t just a single advice session; it’s a relationship that can span months or even the full duration of your SLES program (often up to 2 years, depending on your needs). Importantly, the SLES mentorship is custom-tailored to you – it’s not a one-size-fits-all curriculum. If you need more help with communication, your mentor spends extra time on that. If you’re already confident talking to people but need work experience, your mentor focuses on setting up placements. It’s a highly personalised journey.

A typical SLES mentoring journey with Next Gen might look like this: First, your mentor helps assess your interests, strengths, and career ideas. Maybe you’re not sure what you want to do – that’s okay! They’ll expose you to different industries or jobs (perhaps through short courses, workplace tours, or just conversations about various careers). Once you pinpoint a goal (for example, “I’d like to work in hospitality” or “I want to try tech support”), your mentor helps create an action plan. This often involves training and workshops to build any necessary skills, and arranging real-world experiences like work trials, volunteering, or internships in that field. Crucially, your mentor will continue coaching you through those experiences, debriefing after each day, helping you learn from challenges, and celebrating your progress. By the time you finish school and are officially on the job hunt, you’ve already got experience and guidance under your belt.

One major benefit of accessing mentorship through SLES is that it’s funded – meaning it comes at no cost to you or your family if you’re eligible. NDIS covers the SLES program under the funding category sometimes called “Finding and Keeping a Job.” Hundreds of young Australians with disability have used this support to find their career path, and it’s completely free for those who meet the criteria, thanks to government support. Generally, you need to be in your final year of school or have recently left, have an NDIS plan, and use some of that plan’s funding for employment supports. If you’re not sure about your eligibility, Next Gen can help you check – we often assist families in understanding the NDIS requirements and even in applying for SLES funding.

Once you’re on board, Next Gen takes a very hands-on approach. We pride ourselves on being one of the few NDIS providers that focus solely on SLES – this is our core service and passion, not just an add-on. As a result, we pour all our energy into making our mentorship and employment supports top-notch. Participants in our program improve their communication abilities, build confidence through relevant training, get help with resumes and interviews, and find support in securing and maintaining employment. All of those elements are part of mentorship – your Youth Coach is beside you each step, from drafting your first resume to cheering you on in your first job interview. We also connect you with workplace mentoring opportunities (for example, on-site mentors during work trials) to ensure you feel supported not just in theory but in the actual work environment.

To access SLES mentorship through Next Gen or similar providers, here are the basic steps:

• Reach out and enquire: You (or your parent/guardian, teacher, etc.) can contact Next Gen Youth Employment or another SLES provider to express interest. We’ll guide you through confirming your eligibility (age 16-24, NDIS participant, leaving school) and explain how the funding works.
• Enroll in the program: If you decide to proceed, we’ll help allocate some of your NDIS funding to SLES. Then you officially enroll in our School Leaver Employment Supports program. This is when we pair you with your mentor/youth coach.
• Personalised planning: You’ll meet your mentor and our team to create a plan tailored to your goals. We break the journey into manageable chunks – as we often say, we help you go from where you are now to where you want to be, one step at a time.
• Participate in ongoing mentoring and activities: Over the weeks and months, you’ll attend mentoring sessions (one-on-one meetings, possibly some group workshops with peers, etc.), skill-building activities, and work experiences arranged through the program. Your mentor tracks your progress, keeps you motivated, and adjusts the plan as needed.
• Transition to open employment or further study: The ultimate goal is to help you secure a job you enjoy and are qualified for. As you near that point, your mentor might assist with things like finding job opportunities, practicing disclosure conversations (i.e., if/how to talk about your disability with employers), and ensuring any needed workplace accommodations are set up. Even after you start a job, Next Gen can provide a bit of follow-up support to make sure you settle in well.

Accessing mentorship through SLES is a fantastic option because it combines the personal touch of a mentor with the resources of a structured program. You’re not only getting one person’s help; you’re getting the backing of an organisation (like Next Gen) that has employer contacts, workshops, and a community of other young people going through the same thing. It’s a comprehensive safety net for your school-to-work transition. As one of Next Gen’s success stories, Alex, said: “They believed in me and gave me the support I needed to start my apprenticeship. I’m proud of what I’m learning, and I’m excited about my future”. That’s the confidence and momentum mentorship through SLES can create.

How to Approach a Potential Mentor

Maybe you’re thinking, “This sounds great – how do I actually get a mentor if I’m not in a program like SLES yet?” Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to find a mentor. Approaching someone to be your mentor might feel a bit scary, but most people are happy to help if asked politely. Here are some actionable tips on finding and asking for a mentorship, whether formal or informal:

• Identify what you want to learn or achieve: Before you seek a mentor, spend a little time thinking about why you want one. Do you need help with career direction? Want to improve specific skills (like public speaking or coding)? Or maybe you admire how someone handles their job and would love their guidance. Knowing your goals will help you choose the right person and communicate what you’re looking for.
• Look at your existing network: Potential mentors might be closer than you think. Consider teachers, coaches, former employers from a work experience, family friends, or community leaders who know you. Is there someone who has a career in your field of interest, or who has overcome similar challenges? For example, if you’re interested in starting a small business and you have a family friend who runs one, that person could be a great mentor. Don’t shy away because of seniority – many adults find it flattering to be asked for advice and are willing to help a motivated young person.
• Explore mentoring programs and services: If you don’t have an obvious candidate in your circle, look into programs designed to connect mentors and mentees. We’ve discussed SLES – if you’re eligible, that’s an excellent route to get a formal mentor through Next Gen Youth Employment. There are also community organisations, disability advocacy groups, and even online platforms that facilitate mentorship. For instance, some charities run mentor matching for youth with disability, and professional networks on LinkedIn can sometimes lead to mentorship opportunities. In workplace mentoring Australia offers through initiatives like Disability Employment Services (DES) or internship programs, mentors are often assigned to young employees with disability to help them settle into the job. Don’t hesitate to tap into these resources.
• Attend events and meetups: Sometimes mentors are found in the wild! Attend career fairs, industry workshops, or networking events aimed at youth or people with disability. Strike up conversations; you might meet a seasoned professional who clicks with you. If you’re part of NDIS or local council youth programs, there might be events where you can meet mentors. Even an online webinar or community Facebook group in your field of interest can lead to connections. Keep an open mind – your mentor could be that guest speaker you found inspiring or someone you met during volunteering.
• Make the ask – politely and clearly: Once you have someone in mind, reach out in a courteous way. You could send an email or LinkedIn message, or ask them in person if appropriate. Explain who you are (if they don’t know you well), express what you admire about their work or experience, and ask if they’d be willing to chat with you about your goals. You don’t have to use the word “mentor” right off the bat; you can ask for a coffee meeting or a phone call to seek advice. For example: “I’m graduating this year and really interested in carpentry. I know you’ve been in construction for a while – would you be open to meeting with me occasionally so I could learn from your experience?” Keep it light and respectful of their time. If they respond positively, you can then formalize it a bit more, perhaps saying you’d love them to be a mentor figure for you and suggesting meeting frequency (like monthly or so). If they decline or are too busy, don’t take it to heart – thank them for considering, and ask if they might suggest someone else who could help. Often, a “no” from one person could turn into a referral to another potential mentor.
• Be clear about expectations: When you start a mentoring conversation, it’s helpful to set some expectations together. Discuss things like how often you might meet or talk (e.g., an hour every two weeks? a Zoom call once a month?), what kind of help you’re seeking, and how you both like to communicate. Being upfront prevents misunderstandings. For instance, you might say, “I really appreciate that you’ve agreed to guide me. It would help me a lot to do a monthly check-in where we can talk about my progress in my job search, and maybe I can email you occasional questions if I’m stuck.” Also, ask what they expect from you – perhaps that you come prepared to meetings or take initiative in scheduling. Setting these ground rules makes the relationship more comfortable for both sides.

Remember, people generally enjoy sharing their knowledge. You’re not burdening someone by asking for mentorship as long as you’re polite and appreciative. The worst that can happen is they say no – and you might be pleasantly surprised how many will say yes!

Making the Most of Your Mentoring Relationship

Once you have a mentor (hooray!), the next step is learning how to be a good mentee and get maximum benefit from the relationship. Mentorship is a two-way street: the more effort and openness you bring, the more you’ll gain. Here are some tips to make your mentor-mentee partnership as fruitful as possible:

• Stay engaged and proactive: Don’t wait for your mentor to tell you what to do. Come to meetings with updates and questions. For example, if since your last chat you researched a training course, let them know what you found and ask for their opinion. If you encountered a problem (“I applied for three jobs and didn’t hear back”), bring it up and use your mentor’s expertise to brainstorm solutions. Showing initiative demonstrates to your mentor that you’re serious, and it makes their job easier when they know what you need help with.
• Be open and honest: It’s important to be candid with your mentor about your aspirations and your challenges. If you’re struggling with something – say, managing your anxiety when making phone calls, or feeling unsure about a certain career path – let them know. Mentors are there to help with exactly those kinds of issues. The more they understand your situation, the better advice they can give. Don’t be afraid to share your successes either; a good mentor will be thrilled to hear about your wins (big or small) and give you that confidence boost. This honest communication builds trust, which is the foundation of a great mentoring relationship.
• Listen and ask questions: This might sound obvious, but listening is key. Your mentor will likely share a lot of insights drawn from their experiences – pay attention and consider how their stories or tips might apply to you. At the same time, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If they mention something you don’t understand (“My boss suggested I take a CERT IV course”), speak up and ask what that is. If you disagree or are confused by advice, respectfully discuss it. Remember, mentors aren’t there to dictate your path, but to guide. You can have a dialogue. For example, if your mentor suggests a full-time TAFE course but you feel working part-time would be better, voice that and have a conversation about pros and cons. Respectful, two-way communication is what makes mentoring effective – you should feel comfortable bouncing ideas around.
• Follow through on advice and goals: When you and your mentor decide on an action item, do your best to follow through. If your mentor says, “How about you draft an email to that employer and I’ll review it for you,” try to have that draft ready by the agreed time. If they challenge you to attend a networking event before your next meeting, give it a shot. Completing tasks shows your mentor that you value their time and suggestions. Plus, it drives your progress. Mentors often act as accountability partners; they’ll gently hold you to your goals. By taking action between meetings, you’ll make quicker strides towards your objectives. And if something was too difficult to complete, discuss it openly – maybe the goal needs adjusting. Your mentor is there to help troubleshoot, not to judge you.
• Be respectful of your mentor’s time and boundaries: Mentors are usually busy people. Always arrive on time for meetings (or log in promptly for online chats) and come prepared. If you agreed to an agenda, stick to it. Keep phone calls or texts to reasonable hours unless otherwise agreed. Basically, treat your mentor’s time with the same respect you would a valued teacher or boss. Also, be mindful of boundaries. Some mentors become close friends, but others may prefer to keep communications professional. Take cues from your mentor, and when in doubt, just ask if something is okay. For instance, “Is it alright if I send you my resume to look over, or would you prefer we discuss it in our next meeting?” Showing respect builds a positive rapport.
• Show gratitude and give back: A little appreciation goes a long way. Thank your mentor regularly – not just with words, but by letting them know how their guidance has helped you. Did their interview tip help you land a job? Tell them! It will make their day. Mentoring is often a voluntary effort, and mentors find it rewarding to see their mentees grow. You can also “give back” in small ways. Maybe you’re tech-savvy and can show your mentor a new app, or share an interesting article they might like. At the very least, keep them updated on your successes down the line. Many mentors love to hear from former mentees even after the formal mentoring period ends. It feels good to know they made a difference. And who knows – someday you might be in a position to help them or someone else, paying the kindness forward.

By following these practices, you’ll nurture a strong mentor-mentee relationship characterized by trust, mutual respect, and meaningful progress. Many of these tips mirror what we encourage in Next Gen’s program – for example, we tell our SLES participants to take ownership of their journey (with mentors as guides), and we facilitate open communication. The result? Mentees who are engaged and mentors who feel valued. Remember, the best mentoring relationships are collaborative. You and your mentor are a team aiming for one goal: your success. With that mindset, mentorship truly can accelerate your journey into the working world.

Take the Next Step with Next Gen Youth Employment

Your transition from school to work is an exciting chapter, and you don’t have to go it alone. A mentor can be the accelerator that turns uncertainties into opportunities, and challenges into achievements. Whether you find an informal mentor on your own or join a formal program like Next Gen Youth Employment’s SLES for career mentoring, the important thing is to get the support you deserve. Next Gen is here to help you every step of the way – from mentorship and training to real workplace experiences. We believe in your potential and are dedicated to helping you unlock it.

Are you ready to kickstart your work journey with the help of a mentor? Don’t wait to get the support that can make all the difference. Reach out to Next Gen Youth Employment for more information and personalised guidance. Our friendly team can answer your questions, check your SLES eligibility, and connect you with a dedicated Youth Coach who will be by your side as you take on the world of work. Contact Next Gen Youth Employment today – together, let’s navigate mentorships and accelerate your journey from school to a fulfilling career. Your future is bright, and we’re excited to help you shine!