When a young person with a disability finishes secondary school, the next step is often to find work that matches their skills and aspirations. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers a range of employment supports designed to help school leavers develop the confidence, skills and experience needed to secure and sustain paid employment in Victoria.
What the Support Is and Who It Helps
The support is a set of services that enable school leavers to gain work‑ready skills, build a portfolio, and access real workplace experience. It is aimed at participants aged 16 to 25 who have a disability that affects their ability to work or learn in a conventional setting. The programme can be used by anyone who has an NDIS plan, regardless of their funding level, and it works in partnership with local employers, vocational training providers and community organisations.
Eligibility and How to Access the Support
Eligibility is based on the participant’s NDIS plan. The support must be listed as an employment support in the plan. To qualify, the participant must:
• be a school leaver or recently graduated student;
• have a disability that impacts their learning or work readiness;
• have a plan that includes employment support or can be amended to do so.
Access is through the participant’s planner or support coordinator. They will assess the participant’s goals, skill level and the type of employment they wish to pursue. If the plan does not yet include employment support, the planner can propose an amendment. Once approved, the participant can book the support through the NDIS portal or directly with a registered service provider.
What’s Included and What’s Not Included
Included services typically cover:
• Individualised job coaching and interview preparation;
• Skill‑building workshops (e.g., communication, time management, computer literacy);
• Structured workplace placements or job shadowing;
• Mentoring from experienced professionals;
• Support to develop a resume and portfolio.
What is not included:
• Salary or wages earned from the placement;
• Travel or accommodation costs unless specifically funded;
• Any service that is purely recreational or unrelated to employment.
Funding, Planning and the Latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements
The funding for employment supports is governed by the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. These limits set the maximum amount that can be claimed for each type of support per hour or per session. The plan must reflect the appropriate pricing codes, and the participant’s budget must accommodate the cost of the support. It is essential to review the plan’s budget regularly to ensure there is sufficient funding for the programme, and to adjust if the scope of support changes.
Funding can be allocated as part of a core support or a capacity building item, depending on the participant’s individual goals. Some providers offer bundled packages that combine coaching, workshops and placements, which can simplify budgeting and reduce administrative burden.
How to Request and Activate Your Support
Once the plan has been amended to include employment support, the participant can request the service through the NDIS portal. The request should include:
• The type of support needed (e.g., coaching, placement);
• The frequency and duration of sessions;
• A brief description of the participant’s employment goals.
After the request is approved, the participant can schedule sessions with a registered provider. Many providers in Victoria partner with local community organisations to offer flexible, part‑time coaching and placement opportunities. It is useful to discuss the timeline with the planner to ensure the support aligns with the participant’s graduation date and job‑search plan.
For additional information on how NDIS home care supports work in the region, you may find the following resources useful: NDIS home care supports in Wyndham, NDIS home care supports in Wyndham 34 and NDIS home care supports in Wyndham 33.
Local Context: Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico
In Victoria, the support is available across a wide range of localities. Participants in the Belgravia area can access local training hubs that provide tailored workshops on job readiness. Those living in Chelsea have opportunities to work with community centres that run mentorship programmes for young people with disabilities. In Pimlico, several employers have signed up to the NDIS employment support scheme, offering structured placements that give participants hands‑on experience in retail, hospitality and administrative roles.
Each locality offers a unique mix of services, so it is worth speaking with a local support coordinator to identify the best fit for the participant’s interests and geographical convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of jobs can school leavers access through NDIS employment supports?
Participants can target a wide range of roles, from entry‑level positions in retail and hospitality to internships in community services. The key requirement is that the job matches the participant’s skill level and supports their long‑term employment goals.
Do I need to be in school to qualify for employment support?
No. The support is designed for school leavers and recent graduates, but it can also be useful for anyone who is transitioning into the workforce and has a disability that impacts their work readiness.
Can I combine employment support with other NDIS services?
Yes. Employment support can be bundled with core supports, capacity building or assistive technology services. Coordinating these services can provide a more holistic approach to achieving employment goals.
How long does it usually take to see results from the support?
Results vary depending on the participant’s starting point and the intensity of the programme. Many participants notice improvements in confidence and interview skills after a few weeks of coaching, while full job placement may take several months of combined training and placement.
What happens if the funding in my NDIS plan is exhausted?
If the budget is depleted, the planner can propose a plan amendment to reallocate funds or add a new budget item for employment support. It is important to keep track of spending and communicate with the planner regularly.
This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.
