Leaving School, Finding Purpose: How the Intellectual Disability Foundation of St George Is Opening New Doors

What happens after school finishes?

For many young people with intellectual disabilities, that question can come with uncertainty, anxiety and not enough clear options. But now, there’s a new pathway, built around real skills, real experience, and real possibility.

The Intellectual Disability Foundation of St. George (IDF of St George)’s School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program is transforming what post-school life can look like for young people with intellectual disabilities.

And it’s not just about keeping busy. It’s about building careers, confidence and choice.  

So, what is the SLES Program? 

IDF of St George’s SLES Program is a two-year supported training and work experience journey for school leavers. Participants don’t just learn in the classroom; they get hands-on, real-world experience inside IDF of St George’s own businesses.

Think barista skills in a working café, packing products in a warehouse, helping customers in a retail space, or even growing plants in the garden centre. These aren’t simulations; they’re real jobs with real outcomes.

And the best part? There’s no resume required.

“We’re open to everyone,” IDF of St George’s CEO Spiro Pissas said. “This is a place where young people can come, learn a trade and build transferable skills that help them find real work, with us or out in the world.”

Try everything, then choose your path. 

Rather than locking participants into one role, the SLES Program encourages them to try out multiple industries during their time at the organisation – from food production and printing, to hospitality, wellness, esports and beyond.

“Over a two- to three-year period, we want them to experience different verticals,” Spiro said.

“Then we sit down together and figure out what they really enjoy and where they want to go next.”

If someone shines in gardening, they might be supported into a role at the garden centre. If they love coffee culture, they’ll be trained up with a barista course and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification.

It’s all about discovering strengths, nurturing confidence, and providing tailored support, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Qualifications that open doors 

The Intellectual Disability Foundation of St George is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), which means participants can walk away with a Certificate I or II in process manufacturing, retail or hospitality, all while gaining hands-on experience.

That means IDF participants don’t just learn; they graduate job-ready, with nationally recognised qualifications and practical experience under their belt.

Some may take those skills into the broader workforce. Others might stay on and join one of the organisation’s many businesses permanently. Both are valid. Both are wins.

A flexible, supported future 

One of the most powerful parts of the SLES Program is that it’s flexible and individualised. There’s no pressure to follow a rigid timeline – some young people might be ready after two years, others may need more time, and that’s completely okay.

“The whole point is that we’re building real, competitive businesses,” Spiro says.

“We want to offer guaranteed employment where we can. But more importantly, we want to help each person build a future that works for them.”

Want to get involved? 

IDF of St George works directly with schools to support students finishing Year 10, Year 12 or transitioning from other programs. If you’re a parent, teacher or support worker and think someone in your life could benefit from the School Leaver Employment Support Program, now is the time to reach out.