School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) & Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ)
Empowering Your Journey from School to Work
Transitioning from school into adult life and employment looks different for every person. Some young people are ready to move forward quickly, while others need time, familiarity, and confidence before taking the next step.
At My Support Mate, our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ) programs are designed to support individuals at their own pace — with choice, dignity, and wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
There is no pressure, no fixed timelines, and no expectation to rush into employment before a person feels ready.
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What is SLES?
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) are designed for young people transitioning from school into adult life, typically up to the age of 25.
SLES focuses on building strong foundations for independence and future opportunities, including:
- Confidence and self-belief
- Everyday routines and life skills
- Communication and social skills
- Work-related habits and expectations
- Exploring interests, strengths, and future options
SLES is not about pushing young people into work.
It is about helping them feel safe, capable, and prepared for whatever comes next.
What is FAKJ?
Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ) supports people who are working towards employment or who need support to maintain a job.
FAKJ may be suitable for:
- Young people transitioning from SLES
- Adults over 25
- Participants who need ongoing or flexible employment support
FAKJ focuses on practical, real-world support to help individuals:
- Explore suitable job options
- Prepare for employment
- Settle into a role
- Maintain employment in a way that supports long-term wellbeing
Support is tailored to the individual and adjusted as needs change over time.
Benefits of SLES & FAKJ for School Leavers
Every person has their own strengths, interests, and goals — and no two journeys into adulthood or employment look the same.Our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ) programs are designed to support individuals at different stages, whether they are just beginning to explore what comes after school or working towards finding or maintaining employment. Below are some of the key benefits participants — and their families or carers — may gain through engaging with SLES and FAKJ supports.
Build Practical Life and Work Skills: SLES and FAKJ focus on developing practical skills that support everyday life and work readiness. This may include communication, time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and understanding workplace expectations.
Support is hands-on and tailored to the individual, helping participants learn through real-world activities in a supportive and safe environment.
Grow Confidence and Self-Belief: Trying new things, developing skills, and achieving personal goals can have a powerful impact on confidence.
Through SLES and FAKJ, participants are supported to move at their own pace, celebrate progress, and build trust in their own abilities. Over time, this growing confidence can make future steps — such as engaging in community activities, training, or employment — feel more achievable.
Increase Independence Over Time: Both programs aim to support greater independence in daily life. This may include learning how to manage routines, travel independently or with support, handle responsibilities, make informed decisions, and build self-advocacy skills. For many participants, these steps are just as important as employment outcomes. Independence looks different for everyone, and progress is guided by individual goals and readiness.
Explore Employment and Real-World Experiences: Where appropriate, participants may be supported to explore work-related experiences, volunteering, or employment opportunities aligned with their interests and strengths. These experiences help individuals understand what work environments are like, build practical skills, and discover what feels like a good fit — all with support available if challenges arise. For some, this may lead directly into employment. For others, it may help clarify next steps or alternative pathways.
Support Pathways to Work, Study, or Meaningful Alternatives: SLES and FAKJ are about opening doors — not forcing outcomes. Support may assist participants to move towards employment, maintain a job, explore further education or training, or identify other meaningful pathways that align with their goals and wellbeing. Success looks different for every person. Whether the next step is work, study, community participation, or continued skill development, our role is to support each participant to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Our SLES & FAKJ: How My Support Mate Supports You
At My Support Mate, we bring both the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ) frameworks to life through a personalised, respectful, and flexible approach.
Our supports are not about ticking boxes or rushing outcomes. They are about working alongside each individual to build confidence, skills, and readiness for whatever comes next — at a pace that feels right for them.
Support is delivered by an experienced and approachable team, with a strong focus on choice, wellbeing, and real-world relevance.
Below is an overview of how we support participants through SLES and FAKJ.
Personalised Planning & Individual Support
We begin by taking the time to get to know the individual — their strengths, interests, support needs, and goals for the future.
Together, we develop a personalised support plan aligned with either SLES, FAKJ, or a combination of both, depending on the person’s stage and readiness. Goals are broken into clear, manageable steps and can change over time.
Participants receive individualised support from a dedicated worker who supports them consistently throughout their journey. Families, carers, and support coordinators can be involved in planning and reviews where appropriate.
Support is flexible and adjusted to suit each person’s pace, comfort, and evolving needs.
Skill Development for Everyday Life and Work
Participants are supported to build practical skills that support independence, confidence, and work readiness.
This may include:
- Communication and social skills
- Time management and routines
- Problem-solving and self-advocacy
- Understanding workplace expectations
- General life skills relevant to adult life
Skill development is practical and hands-on, often taking place in real-world settings or the community. Where someone has specific interests — such as hospitality, retail, administration, or trades — support can be tailored to explore or build skills in those areas.
Exploring Real-World Experiences
Where appropriate, participants may be supported to explore work-related experiences, volunteering, or employment opportunities aligned with their interests and goals.
These experiences help individuals:
- Understand different work environments
- Build confidence and practical skills
- Develop routines and responsibilities
- Explore what feels like a good fit
Support is provided before, during, and after these experiences, and participation is always guided by consent and readiness.
Employment Preparation and Job-Related Support (FAKJ)
For participants who are ready, Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ) support may include practical assistance with employment-related activities, such as:
- Résumé development and job applications
- Interview preparation and confidence-building
- Exploring suitable job options
- Support with starting or maintaining a job
Support continues as needed to help individuals adjust to new roles, navigate workplace expectations, and manage challenges that may arise.
Ongoing Support & Next-Step Planning
Support does not stop at a single outcome.
My Support Mate provides ongoing mentoring and guidance to help participants maintain progress, build resilience, and feel supported through change.
As individuals move through or complete SLES or FAKJ, we work together to plan next steps. This may include:
- Continuing employment with reduced support
- Transitioning to other supports or services
- Exploring further education or training
- Focusing on alternative meaningful pathways
Transitions are planned carefully, with the individual’s confidence and wellbeing at the centre.
Flexible, Respectful, and Person-Led
Throughout all stages, our team remains flexible and responsive. If goals change, interests shift, or support needs evolve, plans are adjusted accordingly. Participation is always voluntary. Consent is ongoing. Families and support coordinators are valued partners in the process. Our aim is not just to support employment outcomes, but to help individuals build confidence, independence, and a sense of direction for adult life — whatever that looks like for them.
Who Can Access SLES & FAKJ Supports? (Eligibility Criteria)
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) and Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ) are designed to support people at different stages of their transition into adult life and employment. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, goals, and NDIS funding, rather than fitting into a single fixed pathway. Below is a general guide to who these supports may be suitable for.
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
SLES is typically suitable for young people who are transitioning from school into adult life.
This may include individuals who:
- Are generally aged between 15 and 25 years
- Are in their final years of school or have recently left school
- Are exploring future options such as employment, training, or greater independence
- Have an NDIS plan that includes SLES funding (usually listed under Capacity Building supports)
SLES focuses on building confidence, readiness, and foundational skills during the post-school transition period.
Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ)
FAKJ may be suitable for individuals who are working towards employment or who need support to maintain a job.
This may include:
- Young people transitioning from SLES
- Adults over the age of 25
- Participants who need ongoing or flexible employment-related support
- Individuals with an NDIS plan that includes Finding and Keeping a Job (FAKJ) funding
FAKJ support is tailored to the individual’s goals, readiness, and circumstances.
NDIS Funding and Goals
To access SLES or FAKJ, the individual must be an NDIS participant with relevant funding included in their plan.
Funding is commonly listed under Capacity Building – Finding and Keeping a Job.
A clear employment-related goal is helpful, but it does not need to be highly specific. Goals may include exploring work options, building skills, preparing for employment, maintaining a job, or developing greater independence as part of adult life.
Not Sure About Eligibility?
If you’re unsure whether SLES or FAKJ is included in an NDIS plan — or whether these supports are the right fit — we’re here to help.
My Support Mate can:
- Review NDIS plans and funding categories
- Discuss whether SLES or FAKJ may be suitable
- Support conversations with NDIS planners or support coordinators
- Help explore next steps without pressure or obligation
We understand that every situation is different, and we’re always happy to talk things through.
Not Sure About Eligibility?
If you’re unsure whether SLES or FAKJ is included in an NDIS plan — or whether these supports are the right fit — we’re here to help.
My Support Mate can:
Review NDIS plans and funding categories
Discuss whether SLES or FAKJ may be suitable
Support conversations with NDIS planners or support coordinators
Help explore next steps without pressure or obligation
We understand that every situation is different, and we’re always happy to talk things through.
Why Choose My Support Mate for SLES & FAKJ Supports?
My Support Mate is more than a service provider — we are a trusted partner supporting individuals and families through the transition into adult life, employment, and greater independence.
As a registered NDIS provider founded by people with lived experience of disability and mental health, our approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and genuine understanding. We focus on personalised, person-led support that adapts to each individual’s goals, readiness, and wellbeing.
Here’s what sets My Support Mate apart.
Personalised, Person-Led Support
We believe every person deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported in a way that makes sense for them. Our team takes the time to understand each individual’s strengths, interests, and aspirations. Support is tailored, flexible, and delivered at the participant’s pace — not according to a fixed program or timeline. Because we are a dedicated and approachable team, participants are never treated as “just a number.” We walk alongside each person with honesty, care, and consistency throughout their SLES or FAKJ journey.
Strong NDIS Knowledge, Less Stress
Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming, especially during times of transition. We are here to make the process clearer and more manageable. With experience across support coordination and other NDIS services, our team understands how SLES and FAKJ funding works in practice. We can assist with understanding plans, working with support coordinators or planners, and ensuring supports are delivered in line with NDIS requirements. This means families and participants can focus on progress and wellbeing, while we support the process behind the scenes.
A Holistic, Connected Approach
We know that progress towards employment and independence doesn’t happen in isolation. My Support Mate works collaboratively with families, carers, schools, therapists, and other supports involved in a participant’s life. Where appropriate, we also connect participants with community-based opportunities such as local businesses, training providers, and community groups. This holistic approach helps build confidence, social connection, and practical experience in real-world settings.
Focused on Meaningful Progress
Success looks different for everyone — and we respect that. We don’t define success by rigid outcomes or timelines. Instead, we focus on meaningful progress that aligns with the participant’s goals and wellbeing. This may include increased confidence, greater independence, sustained employment, further study, or clearer direction for the future. We celebrate every step forward, whether large or small, and continue to support participants through challenges as they arise.
A Supportive Choice You Can Trust
Choosing a provider for SLES or FAKJ is an important decision. It’s about finding a team that is knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely invested in the person they support.
My Support Mate combines the professionalism of an NDIS-registered provider with the warmth of a team that truly cares. We would be honoured to support you or your loved one through this next stage — wherever the journey leads.
Ready to Get Started?
Taking the first step is easy, and we’re here to help make it as smooth as possible. If you’re interested in My Support Mate’s SLES & FAKJ programs or just have questions to explore, reach out to us – we’d love to chat and provide more details. We can even arrange a free information session or one-on-one consultation to discuss how SLES & FAKJ might work for you.
Contact us today to express your interest or get more information. You can call us on 0415 754 799 or email us at support@mysupportmate.com.au. Our friendly team will listen to your needs, answer any questions, and guide you through the next steps (including any NDIS paperwork or plan adjustments, if needed). Alternately, feel free to fill out our online enquiry form, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Your future – or your child’s future – is full of possibilities. With the right support, those possibilities can turn into achievements. Let’s work together to build skills, confidence, and a pathway to a fulfilling career and independent life. The journey from school to employment starts here – and we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
