Employment support for young people with disability

Transition to Work

Suitable for

Motor skills Communication Social skills Independence Daily routines

Gain confidence, skills and experience with Novita’s Transition to Work program.

Make an enquiry Download course guide

Young adult male sitting in a red chair using an ipad to communicate with his Novita support worker

Location

341 Port Road, Hindmarsh SA |
27-35 Orange Avenue, Salisbury SA |
177 Beach Road, Christie Downs SA |
5 Gilbert Street, Berri SA

Start your journey to employment with confidence

Transition to Work at Novita is designed to support young people with disability to gain employment.

Build skills. Gain confidence. Find your path.

Whether you’ve finished school or are preparing to leave, our team will work with you to identify your goals, explore different industries and create a program that’s tailored just for you.

Where your future starts

You’ll learn essential life skills with job skills training and build confidence as you move toward meaningful employment.

Young adult woman wearing a pink top with arms crossed leaning back to back with a Novita support worker smiling at the camera

About Transition to Work

Transition to Work is an employment support for young people with disability, generally aged between 16 and 23.

The program runs for 1-3 years and supports you to develop confidence, independence and practical job skills that employers are looking for.

Delivered by qualified support workers, it’s a safe and supportive environment where you’ll learn, grow and gain hands-on experience in real workplaces.

You’ll not only learn how to do a job, you’ll learn how to thrive in one.

Quality provider

Why choose Transition to Work at Novita?

Our Transition to Work program is designed to support you grow with confidence. We take the time to understand who you are and where you want to go, then support you with skills, experiences and people who genuinely care about your success.

The program is built around your goals

We’ll get to know you, your interests and your strengths, then build a program that aligns with your career goals and personal development.

You’ll gain skills that last a lifetime

From teamwork and customer service to time management and communication, we’ll support you to gain the job skills and confidence that employers value most.

You’ll learn from people who care

Our qualified and compassionate staff will support you at every step, celebrating your progress and helping you overcome challenges along the way.

Video Transcript

Preparing you for what's next

Stepping out of school and into the workforce can feel exciting and a bit uncertain. At Novita, our Transition to Work program focuses on your goals, builds skills that last a lifetime, and supports you through the challenges many young people face as they prepare for meaningful employment.

Enrol now Download course guide

Challenges you might be facing

You’ve finished school or about to finish school and aren’t sure what to do next
You’re unsure what kind of work might suit you
You’re nervous about meeting new people or using public transport
You’re unsure how to prepare yourself for a job

These feelings are completely normal. We can work together with you so that you feel ready and confident.

How we support you to overcome these challenges

When we first meet with you, we’ll talk about your interests and strengths.

Following that we will work together to identify the types of workplaces or industries that you would be suited to and enjoy.

Then we’ll create a tailored program designed to support you to work towards and reach your employment goals.

Young adult male wearing a white shirt holding out an outfit for a job interview

Young adult male wearing a white shirt and a blue backpack with headphones around his neck and smiling

Young adult male wearing a white shirt holding out coffee cups

Transition to Work

Workplace skills

There are a number of skills that everyone needs when applying for jobs and when you are at work. We’ll work closely with you to develop all these skills and ensure you feel confident in the following areas:

Personal skills
IT skills
Social skills
Personal administration
Finance skills
Business communication
Workplace skills
Applying for jobs and interviews

Young female adult at woolworths for work experience

Transition to Work

Work experience

Work experience is about trying real jobs in real workplace environments.

Whether you’re interested in gardening, hospitality, office admin, events, art, music, or something else entirely different, we’ll support you to explore different industries and discover what you love.

A great place to start is right here at Novita. Our internal work experience options, like our cafes, coffee van, gardening program and office roles are a safe and supportive space to take your first steps into work experience.

When you are ready to take the next steps we work with a number of inclusive and supportive organisations and will find the option that best aligns with your goals

Each opportunity is aligned with your individual goals so that the skills you gain are relevant, practical and empowering.

If teamwork feels challenging, we’ll work with you to practice how to relate to others, listen, stay flexible and give and receive feedback.

Transition to Work

Getting familiar with public transport

Using public transport builds confidence and can also support you to get to where you need to be, including to work.

If you haven’t used public transport before or are a little unsure, we’ll teach you step by step, from finding your route and boarding the right bus to paying the fare and arriving at your stop safely.

What makes Transition to Work different

Our program gives you the support, skills and real-world experience you need to feel confident about your future, with every element designed to support you move toward meaningful employment.

A personalised program shaped around you

Flexible start dates, individualised learning plans, and the option to attend part-time or full-time mean your pathway is designed to match your strengths, interests and goals.

Real work experience across multiple industries

Try different roles in safe, supportive workplaces, including hospitality, gardening, office admin, retail and more. You’ll gain practical skills and discover what type of work feels right for you.

Practical job skills and life skills training

Build skills employers value, such as communication, teamwork, customer service, personal presentation, finance skills, IT basics, and applying for jobs.

Support from qualified and caring staff

All sessions are delivered by experienced support workers who guide you step by step, including interview preparation, resume building and workplace expectations.

Travel training and community confidence

Learn to use public transport safely and independently, helping you attend work, training and social activities with confidence.

Accessible locations across South Australia

Programs are available at Hindmarsh, Christies Beach, Berri, Salisbury, Murray Bridge and other Novita sites, making it easy to join from your local community.

Stories

What program participants have to say

Hear from those we've graduated from the program

"Through Transition to Work, Bryce is learning teamwork, time management and customer service."

Bryce Transition to Work Program

"From cleaning checkouts to helping customers, Shelby’s using the skills she gained through the program to succeed in meaningful employment."

Shelby Transition to Work Program

"With support from Transition to Work, Brayden gained hands-on kitchen experience and developed the organisation skills needed for his dream job."

Brayden Transition to Work Program

Download course guide

With places still available at Novita Hindmarsh, Christies Beach, Berri, Salisbury and numerous other sites, we’ve created this FREE downloadable support overview to show you what you’ll be covering.

Get your FREE support overview now and successfully transition from school into your dream role.

Download course guide Enrol now

Transition to Work

What you’ll gain

In Transition to Work, you’ll develop the workplace and personal skills you need to shine in any environment.

Build confidence

You’ll build confidence and independence through problem-solving, self-motivation and hands-on learning that supports your employment goals.

Personalised program

Your program is personalised just for you, guiding your unique pathway toward meaningful work.

Work experience opportunities

You’ll also gain real-world experience by trying different jobs to discover what you enjoy, while developing community skills, building social connections and learning to travel independently.

Group of young adults at the beach with a Novita support worker

Transition to Work

Who can join the program

Transition to Work is designed for young people with disability who want to move from school into employment.

You can join if you’re preparing to leave school or have recently finished, if you’re working toward employment goals, or if you want to build your confidence with flexible, inclusive support tailored to your needs.

No previous experience or qualifications are required - just a willingness to explore what comes next.

Classroom students group and study in diversity

Classroom education question students with hands up

Bring careers to the classroom

School Leavers incursions

Novita’s incursions make it easy for schools to bring careers to the classroom, without disrupting timetables or adding extra pressure on staff.

Delivered on-site, these sessions support students to build confidence, communication skills and practical readiness for life after school - all within a familiar learning environment. Programs are flexible and can be adapted to suit your class structure, student needs, and available time.

Incursions are ideal for introducing career concepts early, supporting students who benefit from routine, and starting conversations about future pathways in a safe and supported way if gaining employment isn't a goal for them right now.

Young adult female holding a plate of muffins

What this could look like at your school

Example incursion

A half-day incursion for a Year 10-12 class with most students looking to gain employment after school.

Novita staff visit the school to deliver a structured session during normal class time.
Students take part in interactive activities focused on communication, teamwork, and understanding different types of work.
Sessions might include:
- goal-setting conversations
- exploring strengths and interests
- practicing workplace behaviours
- simple hands-on tasks that reflect real job expectations
Teachers are welcome to observe or participate, and content can be adapted for different learning needs / goals.

The incursion option works well for schools looking for accessible, curriculum-friendly engagement that fits within the school day. Remember, employment goals are not required to participate in our programs as we can support students after school to build confidence, independence, and meaningful routines based on what matters to them.

Book an incursion

Novita support worker with a young adult male working in the Novita Cafe

Green coffee cups on a coffee machine with coffee pouring into them

School leaver pathways

Real-world excursions

For students ready to take the next step, excursions offer the chance to gain hands-on, real-world learning.

Student groups are invited to visit Novita’s Manton Street hub, where they can participate in structured sessions designed to build independence, routine, and workplace skills. Learning takes place in practical settings, including our training café and shop - allowing students to experience what a workday can feel like.

Excursions like these support students to apply skills learned at school in a new environment, build confidence beyond the classroom, and explore what employment and community participation can look like after school.

Young adult male smiling holding two coffee cups

What this could look like at a Novita hub

Example excursion

A structured visit to our Manton Street hub from a Year 10-12 class with most students looking to gain employment after school.

Students travel to one of our community hubs for a planned session in a real working environment.
The day includes guided activities in the training café and shop, where students practise skills such as:
- following instructions
- working as part of a team
- managing time
- interacting with others
- learning how to make coffees
- preparing food in a café setting
Sessions are supported by Novita staff and include breaks, reflection time and clear routines.
Students are encouraged to apply skills they’ve developed at school while experiencing what a workday can feel like in the community.

The excursion option suits students who are ready to engage in community-based learning and develop their work readiness further. Please remember, students do not need to have employment goals to participate in our programs. We support young people after school to live meaningful lives shaped by their interests, strengths, and choices.

Book an excursion

Ready to Transition to Work?

Talk to us

Our professional and compassionate Community Team is ready to talk to you and your family about how Transition to Work can support you to increase your confidence, learn new skills and land your dream job.

Novita Support Work and young adult haveing coffee

Talk to us about Transition to Work

Register now

Our professional and compassionate Community Team is ready to talk to you and your family about the benefits of Novita’s Transition to Work program, and how we can support you to increase your independence and achieve your life goals.

FAQs

How long does the program run?

The program runs for one to three years, depending on your individual goals and needs.
Where can I join?

Places are available at Novita Hindmarsh, Christies Beach, Berri, Salisbury, Murray Bridge and several other sites.
Will I need NDIS funding?
Yes, Novita is a registered NDIS provider and there are several ways you can fund your Transition to Work journey:
- Use your School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) funding
- Use Finding and Keeping a Job funding (included in new NDIS plans)
- Use Core Supports funding if you don’t have SLES or Finding and Keeping a Job
We also offer a flexible hourly pricing model, so you can choose what works best for you.
Can I see what’s included before I enrol?

Yes. Download our free Transition to Work overview to see what you’ll be covering in the program.
I’ve never had a job before – can I still join?

Absolutely. The program is designed for people with or without prior work experience. We’ll support you to gain the skills and confidence to take that first step.