What are School Leaver Employment Supports and Youth Employment

School leaver employment supports, also known as youth employment or end of school initiatives, refer to structured supports designed to provide students in their late years of high school transitioning support into further education, vocational training, or employment.

These supports often offer a combination of practical skills development, work experience, mentorship, and additional guided discoveries to help young individuals make informed choices about their future career pathways.

School leaver employment supports play a crucial role in facilitating the smooth transition of Australian youth from secondary education to the workforce or higher education. These services aim to provide young individuals with practical skills, industry exposure, and career guidance to help them make informed decisions about their future endeavours.

Benefits of School Leaver Employment Supports

• Skill Development: School leaver employment supports offer opportunities for participants to develop practical skills relevant to their chosen career paths. This can include technical skills, soft skills such as communication and teamwork, and industry-specific knowledge. Supports are provided individually, in group settings and/or a combination of both, with strong focus on integration into future employment.
• Work Experience: Many school leaver programs incorporate work placements or internships, allowing participants to gain firsthand experience in a professional environment. This exposure not only enhances their understanding of the industry but also helps them build valuable networks and contacts.
• Career Guidance: School leaver employment supports often provide mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, helping participants explore different career options, set goals, and develop a career plan tailored to their interests and aspirations.
• Transition Support: Transitioning from school to the workforce or higher education can be daunting for many young individuals. School leaver employment supports offer support services such as counselling, workshops, and resources to help participants navigate this transition successfully.
• Increased Employability: By participating in school leaver employment supports, youth can enhance their employability and competitiveness in the job market. Employers often value candidates with practical experience, industry knowledge, and a proactive attitude, all of which are fostered through these programs.

Eligibility and Commencement Process of SLES/Youth Employment

Criteria for Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for school leaver employment supports (such as the School Leaver Employment Supports – SLES and Youth Employment), individuals typically need to meet specific criteria. For SLES/Youth Employment, the following eligibility criteria apply:

• NDIS Plan: Applicants must have an active National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan. This ensures that participants have access to the necessary support services to facilitate their transition from school to employment.
• School Leaver: Individuals should be in the final years of school or have recently left school. This criterion targets youth who are at a critical stage of transitioning into further education, vocational training, or employment.
• Age Range: While the age range can vary depending on the program and provider, school leaver supports typically cater to teens and young adults aged 16 to 24 years. However, some services may have different age limits, so it's essential for applicants to check specific eligibility requirements.

Commencement Process

The commencement process for school leaver employment supports generally involves several steps and may vary depending on the service provider. Here is an overview of the typical commencement process:

• Research: Prospective participants should research different employment supports available in their area or through specific providers. This involves gathering information about service objectives, eligibility criteria, support services offered, and potential outcomes.
• Enquiry: Once individuals have identified a suitable school leaver employment support provider, they need to complete and submit an enquiry. The enquiry form may be available online or through the provider's office. The participants should ensure they provide accurate and complete information.
• Documentation: Following the initial enquiry, participants may be asked to provide supporting documents, such as proof of, finding and keeping a job and/or capacity building funding with an employment goal in their NSW plan and other relevant support plans.
• Assessment: After receiving applications, service providers typically assess candidates based on their eligibility criteria, including NDIS plan status and employment goals and associated funding in their plan.. Some services may conduct interviews or additional assessments to evaluate an applicants' suitability and compatibility for the services are delivered in groups.
• Service Commencement: Once applicants accept the offer, they will receive information about the service commencement date, orientation sessions, and any other necessary preparations. Participants are expected to actively engage in the program activities and take advantage of the support services provided.

How Scope Au Can Help you in School Leaver Employment Supports

Scope Australia offers comprehensive support to individuals participating in school leaver employment supports, ensuring a smooth transition from high school to the workforce. Here's how Scope Au can assist you:

• Personalised Guidance: Our trained team collaborates with you to identify your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. By understanding your goals, we tailor our support to align with your individual needs and preferences.
• Individualised Support: We provide personalised assistance throughout your transition journey, focusing on your goals and helping you develop essential skills necessary for success in the workforce.
• Practical Activities and Work Experience: Scope Au offers a range of practical activities, work experience placements, and volunteering opportunities to help you gain valuable on-the-job experience. These opportunities allow you to explore various industries and roles while honing your skills.
• Group and Individual Support: We offer both group and individual support options to cater to different learning styles and preferences. Whether you thrive in group settings or prefer one-on-one guidance, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
• Further Training and Education Support: We assist you in accessing further training and education opportunities, helping you enhance your qualifications and expand your career prospects.
• Boost Confidence and Motivation: Through our support and encouragement, we aim to boost your confidence and motivation, empowering you to pursue your goals with determination and resilience.
• Training and Mentoring: Our programs include access to training sessions and mentoring opportunities, where you can learn new skills, receive guidance from experienced professionals, and build valuable networks.
• Skills and Interest Identification: We help you identify your skills, interests, and strengths, providing insights into potential career paths that align with your passions and abilities.
• Résumé Preparation and Interview Practice: Our team offers assistance with résumé preparation, interview techniques, and job search strategies to help you present yourself effectively to potential employers and secure meaningful employment opportunities.
• Assistance in Finding and Maintaining Employment: We provide ongoing support to help you find and maintain meaningful employment, assisting with job search, applications, and workplace integration.
• Employment Pathways: Scope Au provides a range of employment pathways for people of all ages, including young people leaving school. We are an approved Disability Employment Services (DES) provider and can support young people to transition and be supported in the workplace after they have secured a job. This provides our participants with consistent and ongoing support as they transition from school to youth employment support and to open or supported employment.

School leaver employment supports represent a valuable opportunity for young Australians to kickstart their careers and gain invaluable work experience as they transition from high school into the workforce. These services offer a supportive environment where participants can explore their interests, develop essential skills, and receive guidance tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.

When it comes to choosing the best school leaver employment support, Scope Au stands out as a leading provider. With its dedicated team, personalised approach, and comprehensive range of services, Scope Au offers tailored support to individuals as they navigate the transition from school to the workforce. Call Us now for more information.