What Is The Difference Between DES And SLES

SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) and DES (Disability Employment Services) are both programs aimed at helping people with disabilities find and maintain employment.

SLES supports young people with disabilities who are finishing school to transition into employment or further education. It provides individualised support and training to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

DES, on the other hand, is a government-funded program that assists people with disabilities find and keep a job. It offers a range of services such as job coaching, skills training, and workplace modifications to help individuals overcome barriers to employment.

Importance of understanding the differences for students and job seekers with disabilities

It's important for students and job seekers with disabilities to understand the differences between SLES and DES because it can greatly impact their transition into the workforce. Knowing which program is best suited to their needs can help individuals access the right support and resources to achieve their employment goals. Additionally, understanding these differences can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their future and advocate for the assistance they require.

What Is The Difference Between DES And SLES

• SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports)

What is SLES?

SLES stands for School Leaver Employment Supports. It is a program designed to help young people with disabilities who are finishing school transition into employment or further education. SLES provides personalised support and training to help individuals develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

Target audience and eligibility criteria

SLES is for young people with disabilities who are finishing school and want help finding a job or continuing their education. To be eligible for SLES, individuals usually need to be between the ages of 16 and 25 and have a disability that impacts their ability to find or keep a job.

Services and support offered under SLES

SLES offers a range of services and supports to help participants achieve their employment goals. These may include career counselling, job coaching, skills training, work experience placements, and assistance with resume writing and job applications. The program also provides support with developing workplace social skills and building confidence.

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Employment Assistance

A key focus of SLES is providing tailored Employment Assistance. This involves helping participants explore their interests and strengths, prepare resumes and cover letters, develop interview skills, and navigate the job search process. This hands-on support ensures school leavers are job-ready and confident in approaching real-world opportunities.

Finding and Keeping a Job

Beyond just helping participants land their first role, SLES also focuses on Finding and Keeping a Job. The program equips young people with workplace etiquette, communication skills, and time management strategies. Continued mentoring and support help them adjust to their new job and overcome challenges—ensuring long-term employment success and growth.

Examples of activities and programs provided

Participants in SLES may engage in various activities and programs to build their skills and confidence for the workforce. This could involve attending workshops on interview techniques, participating in mock job interviews, completing vocational training courses, or undertaking work experience placements in different industries.

Benefits of participating in SLES

Participating in SLES can have many benefits for young people with disabilities. It can help them gain valuable skills and experience, increase their confidence and independence, and improve their chances of finding and keeping a job. SLES also provides individuals with ongoing support and guidance as they transition into the workforce, helping them to overcome any barriers they may face along the way.

• DES (Disability Employment Supports)

Definition and purpose of DES

DES, or Disability Employment Services, is a program aimed at helping people with disabilities find and maintain employment. Its purpose is to provide tailored support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, empowering them to overcome barriers to employment and achieve their career goals.

Who can access DES services?

People who have a disability, injury, or health condition that affects their ability to work can access DES services. This includes individuals who may need support finding a job, as well as those who already have a job but require assistance to maintain employment due to their disability.

Types of support available through DES

DES offers a range of support services to assist individuals with disabilities in their employment journey. This may include job search assistance, resume writing, interview preparation, vocational training, workplace modifications, ongoing job coaching, and support with accessing government incentives and subsidies for employers.

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Target audience and eligibility criteria

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Benefits

Participating in DES can offer numerous benefits for individuals with disabilities. These include increased opportunities for finding and maintaining employment, improved financial independence, enhanced self-esteem and confidence, and greater social inclusion. DES also provides ongoing support to help individuals navigate the challenges they may encounter in the workplace due to their disability, ensuring long-term success in their chosen career path.

Comparing SLES and DES

• Key similarities between SLES and DES

Both SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) and DES (Disability Employment Services) aim to assist individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. They provide tailored support and services to address the unique needs and challenges faced by people with disabilities in the workforce. Both programs offer assistance with skills development, job search, resume writing, and accessing vocational training opportunities.

• Main differences in target audience, services, and outcomes

Despite their similarities, SLES and DES differ in their target audiences, services provided, and outcomes. SLES primarily targets young people with disabilities who are transitioning from school to work or further education, offering specialised support to help them develop essential skills for employment. In contrast, DES caters to a broader range of individuals with disabilities, including those who are already in the workforce and may require ongoing support to maintain employment. While SLES focuses on preparing individuals for entry-level positions, DES offers a more comprehensive range of services, including job placement, workplace modifications, and ongoing job coaching, aimed at supporting individuals at all stages of their career.

• Factors to consider when choosing between SLES and DES

When choosing between SLES and DES, several factors should be considered, including the individual's age, stage of transition, employment goals, and level of support needed. For young people finishing school, SLES may be more suitable as it offers targeted support to help them transition into the workforce or further education. On the other hand, DES may be a better fit for individuals who are already in the workforce and require ongoing support to maintain employment or advance their careers.

Conclusion

We explored two important employment support programs for individuals with disabilities: SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) and DES (Disability Employment Services). We highlighted their similarities, such as providing tailored support for employment, while also discussing their differences in target audience, services, and outcomes. When selecting the right employment support program, it's essential to consider factors such as age, employment goals, and level of support needed. Whether it's transitioning from school to work or seeking assistance to maintain employment, both SLES and DES offer valuable resources and guidance to empower individuals with disabilities on their journey towards meaningful employment.

If you're seeking SLES and DES support in Australia, consider Scope Australia. We offer tailored employment services for individuals with disabilities, providing personalised assistance to help navigate the transition from school to work or to maintain employment successfully. Scope Australia is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals and thrive in the workforce.