Your Path to Work Starts Here
Eligible School Leavers (ESL) is part of the Inclusive Employment Australia Program provided by Mai-Wel. The program offers free support for students with significant barriers to transition from school into employment.
We help young people with disability, medical condition, mental health, and other barriers to find and keep meaningful work.
How We Support Eligible School Leavers
- Create a resume, write a cover letter and support with applications
- Interview training and preparation
- Build confidence and develop practical skills
- Connect with relevant community services, supports and programs
- Opportunities for apprenticeships, traineeships or further education
- Find a job that suits you
- Access ongoing support to find and keep meaningful work
Confirming Your Eligibility
You may be eligible for the ESL program if you are:
- Under 22 and in your final year of school (or earlier if agreed with your family and school)
- Participating in an NDIS or State/Territory post-school transition program
- Experiencing significant barriers to work due to your disability, medical condition or mental health
- Of legal working age and ready to move into open employment
No NDIS? No problem. You don’t need to be on the NDIS or receive income support to join.
To confirm your eligibility, the following may be required:
- School statement confirming your final year, your identified disability or barrier, and any additional education funding received, or
- Evidence of participation in an NDIS employment program, a State/Territory transition program, or DSP confirmation such as a letter from Services Australia, if applicable.
A Centrelink CRN is also required to access the program. We can help you to obtain one if you do not have one already.
What Does ‘Significant Barrier’ Mean?
The Eligible School Leavers program is designed for students whose disability or medical condition affects their day-to-day ability to work.
This can include barriers related to any of the following:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Self-care
- Self-direction
- Work tolerance
- Work skills
If you aren’t sure whether you meet the eligibility criteria for ESL or Inclusive Employment Australia, please reach out to our team for further guidance on the services available to you at 02 4015 8400 or employmentservices@maiwel.com.au
Important to know
You can only join as an ESL once. If you leave and wish to return to the program. a new Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) will be needed to determine the most appropriate service for you.
You are entitled to safe, respectful and fair services under the Disability Services and Inclusion Code of Conduct. Your personal health information is only collected with your consent and used solely to support your employment journey.
Would you like to know more?
Our Team are ready to chat you through the employment services we have on offer.
Fill in the contact form using the button below, or contact us on (02) 4015 8400 or employmentservices@maiwel.com.au.
Inclusive Employment Australia is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Job Seeker Feedback
I have always been interested in working in a florist. The training and work experience I did paid off and I now have a great job where I get to do the thing that I love most. The best part of my week is going to work.
I am very grateful to the staff at MWLFS for helping me to find a job. Since I started work back in October I have felt more positive about myself and life in general. It feels good to know that I’m contributing to the community and it also feels good to have a little more money in my pocket. The training that was suggested helped me to gain the confidence to know that I can do the job.
I never thought that I would get a job but MWLFS helped me to start my career with an admin traineeship. Now, 9 years later, I have a job that I love, increased duties and responsibilities and loving what I do.
