If you're in your final years of high school or have recently graduated, you might be feeling excited about the future, and perhaps a bit uncertain. That's completely understandable!
Youth Employment Pathways provides structured, practical support to help young people with disability build skills, confidence and readiness for work. Through our NDIS employment support program, we help young people explore employment opportunities, develop workplace skills and transition from school into meaningful jobs.
Youth Employment Pathways (previously known as School Leaver Employment Supports – SLES) is an NDIS-funded disability employment support program designed to help young people with disability transition from school into employment, training or further education. It focuses on practical skill development, work readiness and boosting their confidence and independence.
Support may include:
All supports are personalised and aligned to each young person’s goals.
The following criteria should be met for young people to be eligible for Scope Youth Employment Service/Support:
1.NDIS Plan
Have an active National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan.
2. School Leaver
Be in their final years of school or have recently left school.
3. Age Range
Be aged 15 to 24 years (age limits may vary in some cases.
4. Employment Goal
Have an employment goal for when they leave school
Young people with disability who have Youth Employment included in their NDIS plan receive funding specifically allocated for accessing Youth Employment services and supports.
If a person has a NDIS plan and is in their final years of school or has recently left school but does not have Youth Employment included in their NDIS plan, we can work with them and their NDIS manager to have Youth Employment included, provided the eligibility criteria is met.
Every young person’s journey is different. That’s why our disability employment support team creates a personalised Youth Employment plan based on each participant’s strengths, interests and employment goal.
Build work readiness and confidence – Develop everyday workplace skills like communication, time management, teamwork, and professional behaviour.
Driving and licensing preparation – Build road safety knowledge and skills to work toward independent and safe driving.
Real work and employer connections – Gain exposure to real workplaces, employer expectations, and work ready behaviours.
Travel and independence – Build confidence planning and using transport for work and daily life.
Career discovery and planning – Explore strengths and interests, identify career pathways, and prepare for employment.
Learn by doing – Build practical skills through hands on tasks, following instructions, and problem solving.
Study pathways and education support – Explore study options and receive support with planning, enrolment, and coursework.
1:1 job readiness coaching – Receive personalised coaching to build confidence, planning, and work ready skills.
The Scope Youth Employment program has several key goals, designed to empower young people with disabilities as they transition from school to employment or further education. These goals are centred around enhancing skills, independence, and opportunities for a holistically successful adult life.
Yes, School Leaver Employment Supports (Youth Employment) is designed to be available for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. The program is intended to assist young people with disabilities in their transition from school to employment or further education, regardless of the type of disability they may have.
The NDIS can fund Scope Youth Employment and services for up to two years, depending on individual circumstances.
Can a young person access Youth Employment without it listed in their NDIS plan? Generally, no. A person cannot access Youth Employment without it being specifically listed in their NDIS plan. Youth Employment is a support category under the NDIS, and it must be included in a plan to get access to the associated services and funding.
If a young person is eligible for Youth Employment and would like it to be included in their NDIS, they can contact our team who will work collaboratively to get Youth Employment included in the NDIS plan.
Contact our team on 1300 472 673 or register your interest and start the process.
Alternatively, when meeting with an NDIS planner or coordinator during the plan review, people can express interest in the Youth Employment program and explain why it would be beneficial for achieving employment goals.
In general Youth Employment eligibility is tied to having an active NDIS plan, however, there are steps you can take to explore the possibility of getting a NDIS plan and then subsequently accessing Youth Employment:
1. Apply for NDIS: If a person has a disability that significantly impacts their daily life and ability to participate in education, employment, or community activities, they can apply for the NDIS. Visit the NDIS website or contact your nearest NDIS office to start the application process.
2. Assessment: After applying there will be an assessment to determine eligibility for the NDIS. The assessment considers the disability, its impact on a person’s life, and their support needs.
3. Plan Development: If a person is found to be eligible for the NDIS, a planner or coordinator will work with them to develop an NDIS plan. During this process it’s possible to discuss post-school transition needs, including interest in Youth Employment.
4. Request Youth Employment Support: When developing the NDIS plan it’s a good idea to clearly express interest in accessing Youth Employment services and to explain how it aligns with goals for transitioning to employment or further education.
5. Include Youth Employment in the Plan: If the NDIS planner determines that Youth Employment is appropriate and necessary to support transition to adulthood, they can include Youth Employment in the NDIS plan. This will outline the funding and services allocated for Scope Youth Employment.
6. Accessing Youth Employment: Once Youth Employment is included in the NDIS plan, you’re ready to access Scope Youth Employment services.
People generally do not have to pay out-of-pocket for Scope Youth Employment services, as long as they have an active NDIS plan that includes Youth Employment. However, it’s essential to discuss the funding allocation and any related costs with an NDIS planner or coordinator to ensure a clear understanding of how the funding will be used to support a transition to employment or further education.
Scope offers a valuable opportunity for hands-on work experience through the Youth Employment program. Participants can gain practical, real-world skills and insights, providing them with a significant advantage as they embark on their journey towards employment and personal development.
Youth Employment is included in NDIS support category 10 funding, Finding and Keeping a Job. The funding is delivered annually for a maximum of two years, with participants getting a lump sum of around $22,000 that they can spend on supports over the year. Rather than charge an hourly rate, Youth Employment service providers and participants will agree on a schedule of activities for the year and a fair price. This should be recorded in a service agreement to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. Youth Employment is funded under Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job in your NDIS Plan. Youth Employment is included in NDIS support category 10 funding, Finding and Keeping a Job.
To learn more about Youth Employment Pathways and how it provides Employment Assistance to help you find and keep a job, please contact us:
Call us at 1300 472 673
Or complete the form below
When Alec finished school, his family knew that the next steps would be crucial. His mother, Simone, wanted to find a program where he felt comfortable, supported, and empowered to take on the next chapter of his life.
Finding the right support for school leavers' jobs is crucial. It helps with the transition from school to work. The support you choose should match what you need.