Support for children aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Pathways to employment for young people with SEND

Having a job brings greater independence and freedom. There are a number of things you can do to work towards getting a job.

Make enquiries about the foundation curriculum which may include independent living skills, volunteering, work experience and progression onto higher level courses.

Students with SENSENSpecial Educational Needs is a term which refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. and disabilities who attend mainstream further education college departments may be able to access an employability qualification or work placements with the possibility of additional support, if required.

Other pathways include supported internships, apprenticeships or volunteering opportunities. Did you know there are 700 different apprenticeship pathways? As the economy changes, more people are choosing technical and vocational training to find jobs. Join Dorset Careers Hub for a free coffee at one of our eight community venues across the region and gain vital, up-to-date information on the employment and apprenticeship landscape in Dorset. You can view the Dorset Careers Hub careers & apprenticeship seminars on their website. Book your space today to avoid disappointment: Dorset Careers Hub; Careers and Coffee events

Visit the national Apprenticeships website to find out more about Apprenticeships and how to get started.

If your disability affects your opportunities to work and you are claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), you may be entitled to a range of individualised support accessed through your Jobcentre Plus work coach.

Young people who attend Higher Education may be able to apply for financial support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

Careers and learning information and support is available through UP in BCP. The service has 2 Youth Access Points - Poole and Muscliff.

For more information about learning and training and finding employment for young people with SEND, visit the Preparing for Adulthood section of the Local Offer.

Useful Websites