Employment, Training and Volunteering

Young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities should have equal opportunities as they move into adulthood.  This includes any aspirations in education, training or for paid employment. Discussions about future plans particularly in relation to education and work will start in school from year 9, so that professionals and services around the young person can help ensure the right planning and support is in place to help them to achieve their goals.

This section of the Local Offer provides information on a range of employment, training and volunteering opportunities for young people, to help them increase their independence whilst making the transition into adulthood life.

If you need further information and advice about education, training and employment, contact The Youth Support Team on 01452 426900.

*REVIEWED SEPTEMBER 2023*

Gloucestershire Employment and Skills Hub

Gloucestershire County Council have partnered with GFirst LEP to offer a single point of access to employment and skills support, advice and provision for any resident living in Gloucestershire. 

Within the Hub specialist services and projects work with individuals to help them move into or closer to employment, education, training or volunteering including work with education providers to support transition pathways.

Contact them here: employmentandskillshub@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Post 16 Pathway Advisers

The role of the post 16 pathway adviser is to help raise the aspirations of young people with SEND by developing pathways to appropriate Post 16 provision which will support them to live fulfilling and independent lives.

This can be achieved by working with schools, colleges, training providers or individuals to build capacity to deliver the guidance and advice needed for young people with SEND around their employment and independent living needs.

We can meet 1:1 in person or online and start the conversation of where next.

Working together we can promote Post-16 options for young people with SEND in the Gloucestershire County focusing upon the four transition pathways Employment and Education, Community, Social and Health, whilst working within the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks. Visit the Forwards Employment Service website for more information.

Works For Me Programme

The Works For Me Programme works with young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to raise aspirations. This is via through 1:1 meetings and to help the young person achieve and realise their learning and employment potential by creating a appropriate individual action plan helping them to connect to relevant opportunities.

To find out more about Works for Me, visit their Service Page for more information. 

Assisted Internship Model (AIM)

A Supported Internship is a way of enabling young people with a disability or other additional needs to take their journey towards a paid job. An Assisted Internship, otherwise known as a Supported Internship and offers an opportunity to gain practical working experience and improve the prospects of being offered paid employment. Job Coaches are available to assist young people to develop the skills required to be successful in the workplace.

Eligibility for the AIM:

  • Available to young people aged 16-24 years old
  • The individual must have a Special Educational Need, a disability or boundary to employment and must be keen to work.
  • The individual must already have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), or be in the process of being assessed for an EHCP

The Assisted Internship Model is available at:

  • Gloucestershire College
  • National Star College
  • SGS College

All of these organisations are working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council to deliver AIM, along with employers from all over the county. Visit AIM's Service Record on the GlosFamilies Directory or their page on the Forwards Website for more information.  

Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Traineeships

Traineeships are work experienced based courses that can be a useful step towards an Apprenticeship or paid work. Traineeships tend to run for 6 months, but could potentially last anywhere from 6 weeks up to 1 year. As a course it's a great option for those who need to build skills or experience to take on a job or apprenticeship. Find out more about Traineeships as an alternative to apprenticeships, and potential traineeship opportunities here

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee gains valuable experiences and learns in the workplace. For some young people this might be a step into their first paid job, or towards learning a trade or vocation. For some young people it could also be a next step from another vocational course like a Supported Internship.

Whilst the main focus is based around on-the-job training, apprentices also spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning. This might be with a training provider, college or university and can lead to a nationally recognised qualification.

Visit the Apprenticeships Website for more information about Apprenticeship opportunities available.

Forwards Employment Service

The Forwards Employment Service offer a variety of programmes for young people and adults, who require additional support to get into work, due to having disabilities or mental health needs for example. More details and the referral form can be found on their website here: Website: https://www.forwardsgloucestershire.co.uk/

1:1 Service

The 1:1 Service offers regular sessions with a specialist job broker who will support individuals by:

  • Supporting them to find work experience placements which they will enjoy
  • Increasing their skills and confidence
  • Offering bespoke courses to get them ready for starting work
  • The Job Brokers also work with employers to encourage the development of paid opportunities.

Forwards Work Club

Forwards Work Clubs provide support for disabled people who have the capacity to work within a group setting. These clubs are designed for individuals whose needs are higher functioning eg those with physical disabilities, mild to moderate mental health issues, higher functioning autism.

Related Information

External Links

Skip back to top of page