For many young people, applying for and getting a job is a big and exciting step which can lead to earning their own money, meeting new people and being independent. Employers have the power to inspire and engage future talent; enabling young people to find the job best suited to their interests, needs and abilities.
Here are some ways to get involved:
A great way for young people to try out a career and see if it’s right for them or to have the chance to experience the world of work. It’s also an opportunity for employers to introduce their field of work or industry and encourage interest from a young age.
You can make your in-person work experience programme more inclusive by:
Supported internships have been running for over 10 years and are one of the most successful ways to enable young people, with an additional need, to gain sustainable paid employment. Supported internships and opportunities for young people cannot be achieved without forwarding thinking employers.
A supported internship is a full-time, structured work-based educational programme where most of the time is spent in the workplace. These are offered by colleges and training providers for young people, (aged 16-24) with additional needs.
The structured study programme includes:
You can build your work offer with support from the education provider, and there is no cost involved as the intern classed as being is in full time education. There is no obligation to employ the young person at the end of the placement, however, supported internships are the perfect form of working interview, should there be a suitable vacancy. The overall goal of supported internships is for young people with additional needs to move into paid employment.
Apprenticeships help bring valuable skills into your business with the government’s support. They’re suitable for people at any level so you can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee. More information about setting up an apprenticeship programme within your organisation can be found here: Hire an apprentice (apprenticeships.gov.uk).
Many training providers and employers don’t realise that for young apprentices who have special educational needs, learning difficulties or disabilities they can use an Entry level 3 qualification in English or Maths as an alternative to the standard minimum requirement.
Did you know that additional payments of £1000 are available for providers and employers with apprentices aged 19-24 who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan or were previously in care?
Once a young person has secured their apprenticeship there are more ways in which you can ensure they can make the most of their potential:
More information about how you can make your apprenticeship offer more inclusive can be found here – Supporting your apprentice (apprenticeships.gov.uk).
For any work opportunity offered to a young person, the outcomes will be more inclusive, valuable and meaningful, for both of you, if you put into practice some or all of the tips below:
Best practice: Encourage all staff to have a single sheet pro-forma about themselves and their preferences or challenges, so you are fully inclusive and no-one feels ‘singled out’.