Your Future Starts Here: Preparing for Work While You're Still at School
Discover your strengths. Explore your opportunities. Take your next step with Southern Community Options.
Leaving school is an exciting milestone, but figuring out what comes next can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you already know what career you'd like to pursue or you're still exploring your interests, you don't have to navigate the journey alone.
At Southern Community Options, we believe preparing for employment should begin well before your final day of school.
Through our autism-specific Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program, we work alongside eligible autistic students to discover their strengths, develop workplace skills and build confidence as they prepare for life beyond school.
And the best part? You may be able to start receiving employment support while you're still at school.
Why Wait Until You Finish School?
The transition from school to employment is different for everyone. Some students have a clear career direction, while others need time, encouragement and opportunities to discover what they enjoy and where their strengths lie.
Starting employment preparation early provides an opportunity to explore career pathways, develop practical skills and become familiar with workplace expectations before leaving school.
Our approach is centred around you — your interests, your strengths and your goals.
Whether you're interested in hospitality, retail, gardening, administration, working outdoors or something completely different, we'll help you explore opportunities that match your abilities and aspirations.
You don't need to have everything figured out. That's what we're here to help with.
How Can Southern Community Options Help?
Finding a job involves more than writing a resume and attending an interview. It's about discovering what you enjoy, understanding your strengths and finding a workplace where you can contribute and feel valued.
Our dedicated employment team can assist you with:
Discovering your strengths: Identifying your interests, abilities and the types of work you might enjoy.
Exploring career opportunities: Learning about different industries, occupations and employment pathways.
Building workplace skills: Developing practical skills to prepare for the workplace.
Preparing for job applications: Creating resumes, writing applications and practising interview skills.
Connecting with employers: Exploring suitable employment opportunities and introducing your strengths to potential employers.
Settling into employment: Providing ongoing assistance, including identifying workplace adjustments that support your individual needs.
Our support is personalised, strengths-based and designed to help you progress at your own pace.
Who Can Access Support While Still at School?
Through Inclusive Employment Australia, eligible autistic students mAy be able to access employment assistance before completing their schooling.
You may qualify as an Eligible School Leaver if you:
Have been diagnosed with autism.
Are under 22 years of age and of legal working age.
Need assistance transitioning from education into open employment.
You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
Be in your final year of high school or undertaking a school-based apprenticeship.
Be participating in, or have recently completed, an NDIS-funded employment assistance program.
Be participating in, or have recently completed, a State or Territory Government-funded post-school employment or work transition program.
Your final year of schooling is usually Year 12, although it may be earlier where agreed between you, your parents and your school.
Our team can discuss your circumstances and help determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
Supporting Parents, Carers and Schools
We understand that preparing for life after school is an important milestone for students and their families.
For parents and carers, knowing what employment pathways and supports are available can make planning for the future easier.
For schools and educators, connecting students with employment services before they leave school can help bridge the gap between education and the workplace.
Southern Community Options welcomes conversations with students, families, teachers and school transition coordinators to explore how our autism-specific employment program may assist eligible young people.
By working together, we can help students build confidence, explore opportunities and take meaningful steps towards their employment goals.
Local Employment Support, Close to Home
Southern Community Options delivers autism-specific Inclusive Employment Australia services across four South Australian locations:
Mount Barker | Victor Harbor | McLaren Vale | Seaford
Our local teams understand the importance of building relationships with employers and creating opportunities for autistic people to participate in their communities through meaningful employment.
As part of Barossa Enterprises, we bring almost 50 years of experience supporting people with disability to develop skills, pursue goals and participate in their communities.
Your Interests. Your Strengths. Your Next Step.
Your future doesn't have to follow anyone else's path.
Whether you're preparing to leave school, exploring career options or wondering what employment might look like for you, Southern Community Options is here to help you take the next step.
Your journey towards employment can begin while you're still at school.
Let's Talk About Your Future
Are you a student, parent, carer or educator interested in learning more about our autism-specific employment support?
We'd love to hear from you.
Contact Southern Community Options
Phone: 08 7190 7922 Email: admin@southerncommunityoptions.com.au
Locations: Mount Barker, Victor Harbor, McLaren Vale and Seaford
Discover your strengths. Explore your opportunities. Start your employment journey with Southern Community Options.
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