Navigating The Challenges Of Transitioning From School To Work.

Leaving school is one of life’s biggest milestones. It marks the end of familiar routines and the beginning of new possibilities, such as further study, work or discovering what kind of career feels right. For many young people with disability, this time also brings unique school-to-work transition challenges that can make the shift feel uncertain.

In this blog, we explore what this transition entails, the common challenges young people face and practical ways to build skills that support a smooth transition into working life.

Understanding the transition from school to work.

The move from school to employment is a gradual process of learning how to take part in adult life, manage new routines and explore personal goals. This stage often involves discovering strengths, identifying interests and practising the skills needed to thrive in different environments.

For young people with disability, the transition can include a mix of:

• further study or vocational training
• volunteering and work experience placements
• short courses that build specific job skills
• community programs that encourage social participation.

Each pathway is unique, shaped by individual aspirations and the level of support available. Families, teachers and support networks all play an important role in helping young people make informed choices that lead to meaningful and sustainable work.

Recognising the common challenges.

Every young person’s journey from school to work is different, but many face similar barriers along the way. Understanding these school-to-work transition challenges early can make a big difference in how families, teachers and support teams prepare for the change.

Several challenges are involved in this transition:

• Confidence and independence. Leaving familiar routines can feel overwhelming, especially when a young person is adjusting to new people, places and expectations.
• Clarity of goals. Without clear direction, it can be hard to know what kind of work or training to pursue.
• Practical skills. Everyday abilities such as time management, travel and communication are essential for success in any workplace.
• Access and inclusion. Some environments may not yet be fully accessible or may require adjustments to ensure everyone can participate safely and fairly.
• Consistency of support. When school ends, the steady guidance from teachers often changes, and it takes time to build new support networks.

Recognising these challenges helps families and young people plan ahead, set realistic goals and seek supports that build both skill and confidence for the next stage of life.

How to work through these challenges.

Laying early foundations at school.

The journey towards meaningful work often begins long before graduation. The final years of school are an ideal time to start exploring strengths, interests and potential pathways for the future. Small, consistent steps during this time can make the move into work smoother and less overwhelming.

Families, schools and communities can work together to help young people prepare by:

• talking openly about goals and interests and recording them in a simple plan that grows over time
• encouraging participation in work experience, volunteering or short training courses to build real-world confidence
• helping develop daily routines that reflect what work life might look like
• building social and communication skills through clubs, sports or community activities
• celebrating effort and progress to reinforce self-belief and independence.

Starting early allows young people to explore what feels right for them, understand their strengths and see that work is not a single leap but a gradual, supported transition.

Building job-ready capabilities.

Once a young person begins thinking about employment, the focus shifts to building the practical and personal skills that help them succeed in any setting. These skills are not just about doing a job but also about feeling confident, communicating well and managing daily responsibilities.

Key areas to strengthen include:

• Communication. Practising how to ask questions, share ideas and listen actively builds confidence in new environments.
• Teamwork. Learning to work with others helps young people understand collaboration and responsibility.
• Time management. Understanding punctuality, schedules and planning helps create dependable habits.
• Problem-solving. Developing strategies to handle challenges builds resilience.
• Life skills. Budgeting, travel training and personal organisation support independence.

These abilities can be developed through school programs, community workshops or structured school leaver employment supports (SLES) activities. Learning in real environments, such as volunteering or short work placements, helps young people practise these skills and recognise their progress.

Coordinating supports and funding.

Understanding how different supports fit together can help make the transition smoother. Planning ahead ensures that young people have access to the right guidance at the right time.

Many families explore available options through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which can fund employment-related supports. These supports may focus on building confidence, developing workplace skills or preparing for future training.

When discussing goals with a planner or coordinator, it can help to:

• include short and long-term goals related to work or independence
• gather school reports, teacher input and examples of achievements
• think about any areas where extra support or practice might be helpful
• ask about transition programs that focus on work readiness.

Being clear about goals and needs makes it easier to design a plan that reflects the young person’s strengths and ambitions. This stage sets the foundation for the next step, putting skills into practice through structured opportunities and workplace experiences.

Take the next step towards meaningful work with Sunnyfield.

The move from school to work is not a single moment but a series of small, steady steps. For some, that means trying volunteer work or community programs before pursuing paid work. For others, it may involve school leaver employment supports that focus on building confidence, developing skills and gaining hands-on experience.

Taking time to explore the right opportunities helps young people find what suits their strengths and interests. If you or someone you support is ready to take that next step, get in touch with our team at Sunnyfield to learn more about supported employment opportunities. We can help you plan a pathway that builds skills, confidence and a future filled with choice and possibility.