A place to belong. A chance to discover what's possible.
Finishing high school brings a big question for families: what comes next? You want your young person to have something to look forward to. A place where they can make friends, where they do work they feel proud of, and where they have genuine opportunities to become more confident and independent.
At IDF St George, our structured 10-week Youth Employment Assistance Program (formerly SLES) helps young adults with intellectual disabilities explore their strengths, learn practical workplace skills, and discover what they genuinely enjoy doing.
They don’t need to arrive knowing what career they want. That’s exactly what our school leaver program is here to help them figure out.
Real businesses. Real NDIS employment pathways.
A luxury candle they helped create. A premium corporate hamper ready to brighten someone’s day. A nursery plant they’ve cared for, ready for its new home. There is incredible pride in seeing what your work makes possible.
Because IDF St George operates our own successful commercial social enterprises, participants get hands-on experience in real-world environments. Young people can explore diverse employment opportunities across:
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Home fragrance and candle making (Specially Made)
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Bespoke gifting and packing (Hamper Co)
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Horticulture and gardening (Bayside Nursery)
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Hospitality, retail, and custom printing
This incredible variety gives school leavers the room to try different tasks, discover new interests, and recognise strengths they may not even know they have.
Capacity Building: Skills they can take home
Our NDIS employment support is about more than just a job. It is about building life skills. Through everyday workplace experiences, we help young people practice essential skills that support greater independence at home, at work, and in the community, including:
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Asking for help confidently
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Making independent decisions
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Following routines and schedules
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Working safely alongside others
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Taking on new responsibilities
Student-Centered Support
We focus on their interests, their goals, what they feel confident doing, and where they might need a little more guidance. Our experienced support team works directly with your young person and your family to build on their unique strengths, encourage progress, and help them take achievable next steps toward open employment.
Come and meet us, see our Sydney workplaces in action, and ask the questions that matter most to your family.
Join Our Next 10 Week Youth Employment Assistance Program!
Our upcoming intake starts 12 October 2026 and runs for 10 weeks.
Program Details:
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Attendance: One day per week (6.5 hours of attendance)
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Support Ratio: One staff member supporting every six participants
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Cost: Weekly NDIS funding requirement of $237.20 (Includes additional face-to-face and non-face-to-face supports, plus centre capital costs)
What Happens After 10 Weeks?
Together, we sit down to review what your young person has enjoyed, the skills they’ve developed, and what they would like to do next.
Their customized pathway could include direct supported employment with IDF St George, enrolling in another 10-week term to continue building confidence, or undertaking further training (such as a Certificate III) to prepare for open employment. The next step is entirely shaped around their goals, progress, and NDIS support needs.
Come and See What Their Next Chapter Could Look Like
Meet the people who will support your young person. Explore our commercial workplaces. Talk with us about the possibilities. Leave your details below, and our transition team will contact you to answer your questions or arrange a site visit!