Disability Support and Employment Mentoring Services

Tailored support for young people with disabilities, who are finishing school.

What is Disability Support and Employment Mentoring Service?

We understand that transitioning to life after school can feel overwhelming. National Joblink’s Specialist support and employment mentoring services , funded by the NDIS, offers tailored support for people with disabilities,  who are looking for their next step.

Our Cairns team is proud to offer specialised mentoring, education, and employment specialist services for individuals with disability, particularly those with an active NDIS plan or eligible for NDIS support. These services align with NJL’s suite of highly successful programs that focus on foundation skills, employability development, and personal growth—building confidence, capacity, and motivation to help participants achieve their individual goals.

We provide highly individualised, one-on-one support to assist clients in identifying and achieving their unique goals, based on their strengths, interests, and aspirations. Our services are designed for young people who are in their final year of school or have recently transitioned out of school and are seeking support to move into further education, training, or employment.

Our approach

Our flexible and person-centred approach may include:

  • Building confidence and overcoming personal barriers
  • Supporting personal, educational, and career development
  • Training in essential employability and life skills
  • Health and wellness support
  • Team-building and social engagement activities
  • Assistance in obtaining a driver’s license
  • Exploring further education and job opportunities
  • Resume writing, job searching, and interview preparation
  • Supported work experiences
  • Understanding employer expectations and workplace readiness
  • Ongoing one-on-one mentorship from start to finish

NJL also offers boutique accredited education and programs in the areas of hospitality, business, and tourism, delivered in a supportive and flexible environment. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of individuals looking to gain recognised qualifications and practical skills that lead to meaningful employment or further education pathways.

With strong community connections across Cairns—including employers, training providers, and support organisations—our experienced team ensures participants receive holistic and meaningful support every step of the way.

Am I Eligible?

Disability Specialist Support and Employment Mentoring Services is available to NDIS participants who are about to leave or have recently left school and would like assistance making the transition to working life.

To be eligible you need to be:

  • 16-22 years, have disengaged, graduated or are in your final year of school
  • Have an active NDIS plan or are eligible for NDIS support
  • Have identified employment related goals in your NDIS plan
  • Need support to develop your confidence and work ready skills

What’s the difference between Disability Specialist Support and Employment Mentoring Service and DES?

There are some similarities between them, as both are focused on created pathways to employment.

A key goal of Disability Specialist Support and Employment Mentoring Services is to build the capacity of participant so they’re ready to transition to DES (Disability Employment Services).

DES can be thought of as the next step on that journey, for those who are ready to enter the workforce, but still need some support finding and keeping a job.