Adult Integration Programme
Skills for life. Tools for work.
Our programme is a structured 12-month journey, designed for young adults with intellectual disability, learning challenges, and neurodiversity.
It combines accredited training with real-world experience to build independence, confidence, and readiness for the workplace.
Overview:
Training (6 months)
Our training phase is built around an NQF Level 1 Hygiene and Cleaning qualification, providing students with both formal accreditation and practical, hands-on skills.
This is a comprehensive training programme that goes far beyond technical skills. It focuses on developing the whole person.
- Life skills and daily functioning
- Work readiness and responsibility
- Communication and social skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Self-awareness and personal insight
- Self-advocacy and confidence
- Basic financial and lifestyle management
- Build confidence in completing tasks independently
We create a space where students are encouraged to try, make mistakes, learn, and grow.Through a combination of structured teaching and practical application, students begin to understand themselves, their strengths, and how to function more independently in both life and work contexts.
Job Sampling (6 months)
During job sampling, students transition into real work environments where they begin to apply their skills in a practical and supported way.
This phase is not just about exposure. It is a structured process of learning, adapting, and building confidence within the workplace.
With ongoing support from a job coach, students are guided through the expectations and realities of work. They are supported to:
- Understand workplace routines and responsibilities
- Develop appropriate work behaviours and professional conduct
- Strengthen communication and interpersonal skills in real contexts
- Build confidence in completing tasks independently
Support includes:
- Adapting tasks to suit individual abilities
- Breaking down tasks into manageable steps
- Facilitating communication between students and employers
- Providing on-site guidance, feedback, and problem-solving support
Students are also exposed to different work environments where possible, allowing them to explore their strengths, preferences, and areas for growth.
This phase plays a critical role in bridging the gap between training and employment, helping students build real experience, confidence, and a clearer sense of where they can succeed in the workplace.
Graduation
This shared approach allows more students to access and complete the full 12-month programme, engaging meaningfully in both the training and job sampling phases. With the right support in place, students are able to build the skills, confidence and experience needed to move forward.
By the end of the programme, students have not only gained accredited training and practical work experience, but have also developed a stronger sense of independence, self-awareness and readiness for the workplace.
Graduation marks an important milestone, but it is not the end of the journey.
What happens next?
Following graduation, students have the opportunity to remain connected to The Living Link through our TLL Membership.
Admission Criteria
We aim to create a supportive and structured environment where each student can engage meaningfully in the programme and benefit from what is offered.
To help ensure the best possible fit, applicants should:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35
- Have a diagnosis of intellectual disability, learning challenges, or be neurodiverse
- Be able to participate in a structured, group-based programme
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn, try new things, and develop independence
- Be independent in activities of daily living
- Be able to travel to and from the organisation independently (with support such as drop-off, e-hailing, or public transport)
- Have basic levels of literacy and numeracy
How it works
1. Complete the Application Questionnaire
Complete our online student application form:
2. Screening Assessment
Our team will contact you to arrange a screening and assessment process to determine suitability and support needs.
3. Enrollment
Successful applicants will begin the enrolment process, including submission of supporting documentation and programme orientation.
We recognise that every individual is different, and we consider each application on a case-by-case basis.If you are unsure whether The Living Link is the right fit, we encourage you to get in touch. We are happy to guide you through the process.
Programme Fees & Financial Assistance
The operational cost of the programme is R72 500 for the year.
We are committed to making the programme as accessible as possible and aim to ensure that finances are not a barrier to participation. For this reason, we offer financial assistance to support families.
Financial assistance is structured on a sliding scale, based on what each family is able to afford.
This means that:
- Families contribute towards the programme fees according to their financial capacity
- The remaining balance is subsidised through funding that we actively source
This shared approach allows more students to access the programme, while ensuring that each family contributes in a way that is manageable and sustainable.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for financial assistance, and we are available to guide you through this process.
TLL Membership
Employment Consulting & Ongoing Support
After job sampling, students can transition into employment or other development opportunities with continued support through The Living Link.
This support is accessed through our membership programme, which allows us to walk alongside each individual as they take their next steps. This may include employment, volunteering, or further skills development, depending on what is most appropriate for them.
What is Employment Consulting?
Employment consulting is how we support members to find and sustain meaningful opportunities, while building independence over time.As part of our Employment Consulting service, the Employment Consultant also provides job coaching. This is practical, on-site support offered to both the member and the employer to support successful workplace integration and long-term sustainability.
Our Support includes:
- Breaking down tasks and building competence
- Supporting workplace communication
- Guiding appropriate work behaviour and expectations
- Assisting with problem-solving and workplace challenges
- Supporting employers to create inclusive environments
The focus is on building independence over time, while ensuring the right level of support is in place
Benefits of Membership
- Continued support beyond the training programme
- Access to employment and development opportunities
- Increased confidence and independence
- Ongoing guidance for members and families
- Connection to the TLL network
frequently asked questions
What documents are required for the enrolment process?
The following documents are required: - Certified copy of ID - Certified copy of latest school report - Student bank account details - SARS tax number - Confirmation of unemployment (template provided) - Confirmation of address (template provided) - Copy of CV
Can I apply if I do not have a formal diagnosis?
Yes. Applications are still considered if there are functional limitations consistent with an intellectual disability, learning impairment, or neurodiverse profile. This will be explored further during the screening process to determine suitability for the programme.
Is job sampling limited to cleaning only?
No. While the training programme is based on hygiene and cleaning, job sampling is not limited to cleaning tasks. We aim to place students in meaningful work environments where they can develop a range of skills. Depending on the host site, this may include administrative tasks, maintenance work, working with children, or other relevant roles. We work with a variety of host sites and encourage families to be involved in identifying opportunities that align with the student’s strengths and interests.
What happens after completing the programme?
After graduation, students have the opportunity to transition into employment or other development pathways, with continued support through the TLL Membership programme. This includes employment consulting and job coaching to support long-term success.
Does membership guarantee a job?
Membership does not guarantee employment, but it provides structured support, guidance, and access to opportunities to help each individual move towards meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
How do I know if this programme is the right fit?
We consider each application on a case-by-case basis. The programme is best suited for young adults who are able to participate in a structured environment, are independent in daily living, and are willing to learn and develop their skills. As part of the process, a screening assessment is conducted to determine whether the programme is an appropriate fit and to ensure that the right support can be provided.
