What to Expect from School Leaver Employment Support

Transitioning from school into adulthood brings new challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities. For many young people, especially those living with a disability, this transition can feel overwhelming without proper guidance. This is where school leaver employment support becomes invaluable. It helps young individuals build confidence, develop practical skills, and prepare for future work or study pathways.

School leaver employment support is designed to provide direction, structure, and personalised assistance during the move from school life to adult life. This article explains what this support includes, how it benefits young people, and what families should look for when selecting a high-quality program. It also highlights the importance of structured pathways like the Bunji Launchpad program, which offer customised and meaningful development opportunities.

Understanding School Leaver Employment Support

School leaver employment support helps young people aged roughly 16 to 22 transition into the workforce. It is often part of disability support systems and aims to build the foundational skills needed for employment or further education. This includes support in communication, time management, personal presentation, workplace behaviour, and job readiness.

Unlike general career counselling, school leaver employment support is more hands-on and tailored. It focuses on the specific abilities, interests, and goals of each young person. Programs like the Bunji Launchpad program are built to meet these individual needs, offering structured learning that supports long-term success.

Why School Leaver Employment Support Is Important

For many school leavers, the world beyond school is unfamiliar. Expectations change, responsibilities increase, and opportunities require confident decision-making. School leaver employment support provides guidance and helps young people develop the skills needed to thrive.

Its importance can be seen in several key areas:

• Building independence
• Supporting goal setting
• Preparing for employment
• Developing social skills
• Teaching workplace behaviour
• Increasing confidence

With the right support, students can learn how to make informed choices, communicate well, and manage their time effectively. This helps them feel prepared as they step into adult life.

Skill Development and Job Readiness

One of the main goals of school leaver employment support is helping young people become job ready. This involves teaching essential workplace skills that are useful in any environment. These skills include:

• Resume writing
• Interview practice
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Understanding workplace expectations

Participants learn how to behave professionally, work with others, and handle feedback. They also explore different types of jobs so they can identify roles that match their interests.

Some programs, like the Bunji Launchpad program, offer practical workshops that allow students to practise real-life job tasks, helping them build confidence and independence.

Workplace Experience and Training

Work experience is an important part of preparing for employment. School leaver employment support often includes opportunities for students to spend time in real workplaces. This allows them to:

• Understand job responsibilities
• Observe how businesses operate
• Build confidence interacting with staff
• Learn practical skills
• Discover what type of work suits them

Experiencing real workplace settings helps participants make clearer decisions about their future. They gain insights into their strengths and areas they want to improve.

High-quality programs provide safe and supported placement opportunities. Staff members stay in contact with employers and monitor the progress of each student, ensuring a positive learning experience.

Building Life Skills for Everyday Independence

Employment is important, but life skills are equally valuable. School leaver employment support helps build independence through everyday life training. These skills include:

• Time management
• Using public transport
• Budgeting and money skills
• Healthy living and nutrition
• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Planning daily tasks

Learning these skills helps young people live more independently and manage responsibilities. Programs may also teach digital skills, like using email, online job platforms, and basic computer programs.

When students develop these abilities, they feel more confident navigating the world beyond school.

Personalised Support and Goal Setting

Every young person has unique strengths, challenges, and goals. This is why personalised support is a core part of school leaver employment support. Participants work closely with trained professionals who help them identify their goals and build a plan to achieve them.

This person-centred approach includes:

• One-on-one guidance
• Progress tracking
• Adjusting plans as needed
• Encouraging self-expression
• Focusing on strengths

Young people are encouraged to take an active role in their development. They learn how to communicate their needs, make decisions, and develop confidence in their abilities.

Many families choose structured programs like the Bunji Launchpad program because they offer personalised pathways and support tailored to each participant.

Understanding the Transition from School to Work

Transitioning from school to work involves more than finding a job. It also includes adapting to new routines, meeting new expectations, and learning how to manage adult responsibilities. School leaver employment support guides young people through this transition in a safe and supportive environment.

Participants learn what to expect in the workplace, including how to:

• Communicate professionally
• Follow instructions
• Solve simple problems
• Work in a team
• Manage time effectively
• Handle workplace stress

This foundation helps them approach new environments with confidence. Instead of feeling unsure or overwhelmed, they learn strategies to navigate challenges calmly and successfully.

Emotional and Social Confidence Building

Many young people experience uncertainty or anxiety when leaving school. School leaver employment support helps build emotional resilience and social confidence. Through group activities, skill-building sessions, and supportive mentoring, participants learn how to:

• Communicate clearly
• Build friendships
• Work with others
• Manage emotions
• Develop self-esteem

When young people feel emotionally confident, they find it easier to participate in work and community activities. Programs create safe spaces for learning, trying new things, and developing social comfort.

Exploring Career Interests

Choosing a career can be challenging, especially when young people do not yet fully understand their interests. School leaver employment support allows participants to explore a wide range of job roles. This exploration may include:

• Career workshops
• Employer visits
• Job tasters
• Hands-on activities
• Mentoring sessions

These experiences give young people clarity about their preferences. They can test different environments and decide what feels right for them. This helps prevent unsuitable job choices and increases their chances of long-term employment satisfaction.

Support for Families

Families play a major role in helping young people navigate the transition from school to work. School leaver employment support provides guidance for families as well, ensuring they understand how to help their child succeed.

Families receive:

• Updates on progress
• Guidance on goal planning
• Support for managing expectations
• Information about future pathways

This shared approach creates a strong support system around the young person. When families feel informed and supported, they are better able to encourage and assist their child.

What to Look for in a School Leaver Employment Support Program

Not all programs are the same. Families should look for services that are reputable, well-structured, and focused on meaningful growth.

Key things to look for include:

• Experienced and qualified staff
• Individualised programs
• Practical skill-building
• Community and workplace connections
• Clear communication with families
• A supportive and respectful environment

Choosing the right program ensures that young people receive the best possible foundation for their adult life.

Programs that provide hands-on learning, personalised guidance, and strong community connections—such as the Bunji Launchpad program—tend to deliver greater long-term benefits.

Long-Term Benefits of School Leaver Employment Support

The benefits of this support go beyond immediate skill development. Young people gain lifelong abilities that help them succeed in work, study, and daily life. These long-term benefits include:

• Increased confidence
• Stronger communication skills
• Greater independence
• Better decision-making
• More successful job outcomes
• Improved emotional wellbeing

As they grow into adulthood, these abilities support a more fulfilling and self-directed life.

Conclusion

School leaver employment support plays a vital role in helping young people transition from school to the workplace or further study. It offers a structured and supportive pathway that builds essential life skills, strengthens confidence, and prepares students for long-term success. Young people gain practical job experience, develop communication and social skills, and explore career interests in a safe and empowering environment.

Families looking for meaningful, personalised support can benefit from programs designed with the individual in mind. A well-structured service helps each participant move confidently into adulthood and build a future aligned with their strengths and goals. With the right guidance and the right program, every young person can unlock their potential and look forward to a bright and independent future.