School Leavers Open Day

With open days at all of our Metro Hubs there's bound to be one near you

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Unlock Opportunities: Novita School Leavers Open Day!

Leaving school can be a difficult time for anyone. For people with disability, this challenge is especially apparent. It means moving from a familiar, supportive environment to something new and uncertain. In school, there are routines, support from teachers, and a sense of belonging, which can make it a safe place. But when school ends, we need to figure out how to handle new situations, like getting a job, managing money, or living more independently. This can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be.

At Novita, we’ve developed specialised training pathways for people with disability to support them to build job-ready skills and confidence in the community. These pathways are designed to provide support tailored to individual abilities, interests, and needs, as program participants work towards their employment and social goals. If this is something that you or someone you know would be perfect for, we’re hosting an Open Day for school leavers and those who have recently left school who live with disability, as well as allied health referrers and support planners, to join us for an opportunity to explore our School Leavers program.

At the Open Day, you’ll learn how Novita can support young people develop job-ready skills, social skills, and everyday life skills, to reach their goals. It’s also a chance to meet our team, past program participants, ask questions, and see firsthand how we can support you or your clients to Achieve Amazing.

Event Details

Christies Beach

Date: 16 October

Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm

Location: 177 Beach Road, Christie Downs

RSVP Deadline: 14 October

Contact us: [email protected]

Hindmarsh

Date: 21 October

Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm

Location: 341 Port Road, Hindmarsh

RSVP Deadline: 14 October

Contact us: [email protected]

Salisbury

Date: 23 October

Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm

Location: 15-21 Orange Avenue, Salisbury

RSVP Deadline: 14 October

Contact us: [email protected]

Event Highlights:

• Meet our support staff who are specially trained in supporting young people to reach their employment and social goals
• Explore our school leaver employment programs
• Tour the training facilities
• Learn about NDIS funding options
• Hear success stories from past participants
• Free refreshments provided by our Transition to Work team

About the School Leavers program

As part of our School Leavers program, which includes Transition to Work and Step Up Life Skills, Novita offers a range of vocational opportunities including work experience, and can assist with job search preparation, including interview coaching and resume building, to support you transition into mainstream employment. On top of this, we can also support you to build your independence, and empower you to confidently interact with and thrive in your local community.

If you’re in your final years of school or have recently left and you live with disability, the School Leavers pathway is for you! You also don’t even have to wait until you’ve finished school – we offer modified programs that you can complete while you finish school.

We believe that our School Leavers program is the best pathway for young people with disability because we’ve seen firsthand how it transforms lives. The journey from school to adulthood is filled with uncertainties, but through tailored support, we provide a clear and structured roadmap that leads to meaningful employment, greater independence, and improved social engagement. We focus on practical, real-world skills like preparing for job interviews, managing money, and building social confidence, which are essential for thriving both in the workplace and the wider community.

What makes us so passionate about our School Leavers program is the success stories we see every day. By blending job-ready skills, personal growth, and social confidence, we create pathways that turn uncertainty into opportunity. That’s why we believe Novita offers the most effective support for school leavers looking to step confidently into their future.

You may also be eligible for NDIS funding through the School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) program which can be used to access work-readiness training like our Transition To Work program. Even if you don’t have SLES funding or left school more than two years ago, Novita’s services can be accessed through other National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding options, such as Core and Capacity Building funding, like “Finding and Keeping a Job”. As a registered NDIS provider, you can also use your NDIS funding to pay for the Step Up Life Skills program.

About Transition To Work

Our Transition to Work program supports young people with disability to find employment by teaching them job-ready skills and providing them with valuable work experience in an industry of their choice. During the program, participants learn things like how to talk to people, manage their time, prepare for job interviews, and provide good customer service. The program is taught by experienced professionals and support workers who will support you to reach your goal of getting a job.

Download the course guide to learn more.

About Step Up Life Skills

Our Step Up Life Skills program is designed for young people with disability who want to become more independent and take the next ‘step up’ in life. The program is personalised to support participants as they overcome any challenges they may face engaging with others socially. You’ll also learn important everyday life skills, like managing money, taking care of your health and well-being, and understanding the laws that affect you. Become more confident in interacting with your community!

For more details, you can download the course guide

Testimonials

He got the job! Matthew WOWs his way into employment

Matthew joined the Transition To Work program in 2023 where he learned important skills like how to talk to customers, workplace behaviour, and how to write a great resume. After sending out a few resumes, St. George’s Bakehouse noticed Matthew and gave him a trial shift. He worked so well that they offered him the job right away!

Thanks to the support of Novita, Matthew enjoys his job at St. George’s Bakehouse where he serves customers, makes coffee, and helps around the bakery. Matthew loves seeing customers happy, and his boss, Brad, says he’s a fantastic part of the team. Matthew is even planning to take barista courses to improve his coffee-making skills!

Emily’s transition from program participant to support worker

Meet Emily, a smart and determined support worker in Novita’s Transition to Work program. Emily uses a wheelchair and has faced challenges in the past because of this, like being asked to leave a supermarket for taking up too much space. But she doesn’t let these moments define her. As Emily says, “My disability is only as much a part of me as my eye color.”

Emily is a former participant of the Transition To Work program and after earning a Certificate III in disability support work, she now mentors other participants at Novita. Emily is now passionate about helping young people with disability find jobs and believes in showing their strengths to overcome barriers in society.

Thomas’ journey from self-isolation to engagement

Thomas joined Novita in 2021 as a shy and withdrawn 18-year-old. His mother, Domy, shared how he had spent years isolated in his room, disconnected from the community. Since attending both the Step Up Life Skills and Transition to Work programs, Thomas has transformed. He no longer hides behind hats, hoodies, or scarves, and has gained vital independent living skills.

Thomas now feels confident, takes pride in his appearance, and goes home each day with a smile, excited to share his experiences with his mum. After not attending school since Year 8, Thomas is now busy with daily activities, actively leaving his house and engaging with the world around him.

Register Now

Your next big step starts here! Join our Open Day and explore how our tailored programs can empower you to take control of your employment and social future.

School Leavers Open Days FAQ

What is Novita’s School Leavers Program?
Who can join the School Leavers Program?
What is the Transition to Work program?
What is the Step Up Life Skills program?
Do I need NDIS funding to join the programs?
Can I still join the School Leavers Program if I left school more than two years ago?
How can I learn more about the School Leavers Program or the Transition to Work and Step Up Life Skills programs?
What happens at the Open Day?
How do I register for the Open Day?