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Disability Employment Services for school leavers

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Your goals, your dreams, your strengths

Having a job when you finish school could give you the money and independence you’re looking for.

If you’re in your final year at school with a disability or health condition, and you want to explore your future work options, we’re here to help. 

If you're eligible Disability Employment Services (DES) for school leavers, you may get access to:

  • One-on-one coaching
  • Mentoring
  • Personalised job seeker programs
  • Support and guidance to keep you motivated
  • Access work experience and volunteer opportunities
  • Ongoing support when you start your new job

With locations across Australia, there’s an APM office near you.

Plus we also work with your parents, carers, and any other service providers you rely on, to make sure you get the support that's best for you.

Register now

School leaver eligibility

To join DES as a school leaver, you must be living with a disability or medical condition and plan to find a job after leaving education.

You also need to be in Year 11 or 12 and attend either:

  • a disability specialist school
  • a mainstream school and receive additional disability funding or be in a specialist disability class

When you register with us, one of our employment consultants will meet with you to discuss your eligibility and guide you through the DES program.

Register now
Young DES participant Jess and an APM consultant drinking coffee at a table

Choose what defines you after school

We aim to help you find suitable employment and prepare you to start work as soon as possible.

During your job search we'll help you access short courses for job training, work experience and job placements with local employers. And when you find a job, our support doesn't end.

We help you settle in to your new role, learn about your new employer and understand the working environment and team you're joining.

We'll also help develop strategies to adapt to any changes in the job and how to overcome any personal issues that arise.

We'll link your employment with your existing support services, so everyone works together to give you the best chance of success in your new job.

If you’re unsure of what to do when school ends, or how to get started, we can help you make the best first step into employment.

Register now
Jessica chose to explore her passion for hair styling
Watch
DES participant Jess at the counter of a hair salon coffee shop
Clyde chose to experience the world of hospitality
Watch
DES participant Clyde in a black shirt smiling
Emma chose a career path in fresh food production
Watch
DES participant Emma smiles between rows of plants in a nursery

Register for APM Disability Employment Services