SEND: No Limits!
Preparing For Adulthood have produced their Better Off In Work Guide, which explains why employment is such a key part of adulthood.
There are now a range of options for young people when looking for employment, some of which follow an education pathway that will support them into work. These study programmes could be supported internships, traineeships, inclusive apprenticeships or simply work experience, but in each case they help people with disabilities by giving them genuine experience in the workplace. Similar models have proven successful in supporting people with other (perceived) barriers to work as well.
To view the different routes that can be embarked on from Year 9, please click here to view our Preparing for Adulthood pathway.
If an education pathway is not something that you would be interested in, then please look at our Disability Confident Employers page here. These employers may be able to offer you your perfect job.
Bradford have developed a Preparing for Adulthood Prospectus which provides information on support and services that can help you, in the four ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ categories— education and employment; friends, relationships and community; independent living and good health.
SkillsHouse
SkillsHouse is a partnership in Bradford, including educational organisations, voluntary services providers and employers, that helps connect out-of-work residents to jobs and training.
Future Boost
Are you aged 16 to 24 and out of work? Has the pandemic made things more difficult for you to find opportunities? We know the impact of COVID-19 has been especially hard on young people, and we want to help.
As a result, Bradford District has set out a commitment to its young adults to connect them to work and opportunities, and to offer support through a high quality careers and guidance service. This exciting offer is called Future Boost and has different activities and opportunities available for you to choose from.
Our specially trained advisers can help you to decide which which activities are best for you, and they can support you to make an action plan.
For more information about any of these opportunities, or to talk to an adviser, contact Future Boost on 01274 437373 or email futureboost@bradford.gov.uk
Supported Internships
Supported Internships are based primarily at employer’s premises with on the job training and support. More information on these programmes is available from Preparing for Adulthood Website and their Factsheet. The most important requirement of a Supported Internship is that the young person wants to and is ready to work, but may need extra support to do this.
There are a number of providers that deliver Supported Internships in Bradford, as well as other pathways to employment that include work trials and/or work experience, including:
Project Search - BRI
Project Search - Hockney
Project Search - BDCT (coming soon for 2022/2023)
Shipley College please see their video here
Keighley College
Mencap
Craven College
Each provider has their own unique selling points, and the Council is completely impartial. The structured Study Programme includes functional skills English and Maths, preparation for work and on-the-job training and support for both the Intern and the Employer. The Learning Provider (whether it be a College or Training organisation) together with an experienced Job Coach will work closely together to facilitate learning and personal development.
Supported Internships work best when a person’s aspirations and skills are matched to an employer. For the employer, the Internship must meet a real business need and provide the potential of a paid job at the end of the Programme, should the intern meet the required standard.
School of Rock and Media (SORM) - Into Employment Programme
School of Rock and Media, run a similar offer to a Supported Internship called Into Employment Programme, which is for young people with Bradford Social Care involvement.
Whilst at SORM, young people can access this 12 month course in which young adults with disabilities are supported to access education, improve life skills and get ready for employment. Work placements are arranged within Bradford Council or partner organisations, taking into consideration the young person’s goals and aspirations. All students will have support from a dedicated staff member at Bradford Council as well as SORM throughout their placement. Young people will receive a bursary every 4 weeks whilst on the course.
Apprenticeships
If you want to get hands on experience and learn on the job, then an Apprenticeship may be the right route for you. An apprenticeship is a great way to learn outside the classroom, right in the heart of your dream career. Find out more at
Disability UK.
There are a number of providers and organisations that can help you secure the correct apprenticeship, including:
Traineeships
A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months. Traineeships are designed to help young people who want to get to an apprenticeship or job but don’t yet have the skills or experience needed.
Skills House - Traineeship vacancies
Work Experience
Work experience prepares people for work and develops general business awareness, as well as giving them an advantage over other candidates during recruitment. For young people with barriers to employment, including SEND, gaining relevant work experience can be challenging but even short term placements can generate significant outcomes. Work experience is embedded in most study programmes in one form or another, but successful placements depend on active commitment from the host organisation/employer. For more information please read Preparing for Adulthood's Work Experience Guidance. Services/Providers include:
Xperience
Evenbreak
Additional Information
Careers and Technical Education
Careers and Technical Education (CTE) is a pioneering way in which young people can gain skills and experiences that are planned around the requirements of local employers.
Bradford district's CTE is delivered through Bradford Pathways and Industrial Centres of Excellence (ICE).
For more information, visit their web page, here.
