The transition from education to work can be a testing time for any young person as they take unfamiliar steps in the adult world and can feel especially daunting for students with SEND.

To mark National Careers Week this week, NYES are keen to support you to ensure all students embrace the opportunities available to them as they move into the job market and look forward to the bright futures ahead of them as they embark on this next exciting chapter of their lives.

Our specialist services have come together to share their advice and resources to help ensure you as their teachers and mentors can provide your students with practical advice as well as confidence boosting tips to make the transition as easy as possible.

The challenges faced by students with SEND when moving into the job market:

Young people with SEND will experience issues familiar to their peers in wider education, as they move from the familiarity of a school environment to new experiences and the launch of their careers. It’s not uncommon for this transition to trigger struggles with mental health. It’s good to know that help is available for those affected by a wide range of conditions, including anxiety and phobias. Find out more here.

One challenge which may present itself for young people with SEND as they leave their established school routine and find themselves attending new locations when moving into the job market is transport. Under current rules, fees are payable for over-16s needing transport, but in some circumstances a 50 per cent reduction is available. Assessments can be requested with Integrated Passenger Transport providing solutions – find out more here.

How you can support SEND pupils moving into the jobs market:

All school leavers must now continue their education, or work training, to the aged of 18 and more information on the options open is available here.

There is a plethora of options available for students aged 16 and above, who are about to make the switch into employment or training. Each will have their own set of needs and the key to success is matching individuals to a pathway which will ensure they progress happily into adult life.

North Yorkshire has personalised learning colleges, which cater for those in the 16 to 25 age group, who had education, health and care plans (EHCP’s). The colleges take a person-centred approach, offering up to five days a week, term-time, for the duration of the course Preparation for adulthood – education and employment | North Yorkshire County Council

A further option may be traineeships, which offer unpaid experience. Those are aimed at young people aged from 16 to 24 and are structured to be used to help those with few qualifications or experience to leap-frog into an apprenticeship or work. More details are available here.

Advice for pupils with SEND in looking for a job:

The employment market is complex for those approaching the end of their school education and it is important for everyone to be able to weigh up the choices available.

For young people with SEND, it can help to identify employers and organisations which have a good understanding of their needs and commitment to support the sector, either through direct work or training and education packages.

Through North Yorkshire Connect, information is available which can help school leaders, mentors and family members in advising those leaving education on options they find most appealing.

Organisations operate at many locations across the county, with a wide variety of training, employment and education packages available to help ensure the transition into the work environment is as smooth and beneficial as possible.

All those involved with young people with SEND want to ensure their education helps them meet their aspirations.

Supported Internship:

A supported internship may be another option for students who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP) in place, providing a study programme with on-the-job training provided by experienced coaches over 12 months.

In appropriate cases, students can study for qualifications alongside practical job training, split with either one or two days a week in education and the rest spent with an employer.

The goal is that those involved will be in a position to move into paid employment, possibly an apprenticeship, at the end of the 12 months.

The benefits of a supported internship are:

• Positive impact on the young person, their family and community by making a positive contribution to society and the economy
• Promotes an inclusive workforce and equal opportunity employers
• On-the-job training through a supported internship is more likely to help young people with SEND secure employment
• Meets the business need of an employer
• Both the young person and employer have support from a job coach and tutor
• Increases the chances of the young person securing employment upon completion of the provision

There are multiple providers currently offering supported internships across North Yorkshire.  Please contact Becca Ward for further information on Rebecca.ward@northyorks.gov.uk who will be able to guide you through the options available.

SEND Local Offer:

The Local Offer has been co-produced by those who use it, including young people, families and those who support people with SEND. Make sure to have a look at the new SEND Local Offer by clicking here.

If you have any queries on how you can support your students with SEND moving into the job market or further training – please get in touch.