Pathways to employment

All young people have to be in some form of education, employment or training until they are 18-years-old. This does not mean they need to stay in school or college. Instead, they can take part in work-based learning through an apprenticeship, supported internship or work experience (sometimes called a traineeship).

How do I find a supported internship or apprenticeship?

At the young person's Year 9 Transition Review Meeting, they will start to talk about what they would like to do when they are older. The qualifications or skills they will need, and where they can study, will be part of their transition plan. Not all young people will know what they want to do in the future when they are in Year 9. This is okay, the transition plan can change and be added to in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Supported Internships are for young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, who want to move into employment and need extra support to do so. The Education Provider offering the study programme with the internship placement will be named in their EHC plan. Job Coaches are available to support young people who are on supported internships.

To find out more about supported internships, email employability@surreychoices.com

Find a Traineeship lists opportunities for young people who want to gain work experience and skills. These are a great stepping-stone to an apprenticeship. Surrey County Council run traineeships for young people qualified below level 3 and in need of more work experience.

Find an Apprenticeship allows you to search for local opportunities as they become available in the year, so it is important to check regularly. Apprentices earn a wage and gain work skills specific to that job.

Will their EHC plan be adhered to?

On supported internships, the education or training provider will be named on the EHC plan. They will be responsible for meeting needs, achieving outcomes, annual reviews and saying when the plan is likely to end.

Support for young people who are under 18, but is not in education or training

Targeted Youth Support (TYS) work with young people who need support for a variety of needs, in different areas of their life. If a young person is under eighteen but is not in education or training, then TYS may be able to offer support.

Parents and carers can ask for help through the Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA) or ask a professional working with their family to complete a Request for Support form.

If a young person has an EHC plan, you should contact their SEND case officer.

Help in getting a job

A supported internship or apprenticeship can lead to having a paid job with the same employer. If it does not there is information online and through careers advisors in college or school, which can help the young person to find jobs to apply for.

Surrey Opportunities Fair is a yearly event for students in Surrey. They can meet with training providers, employers and companies, to learn about the options they could have after leaving college.

• Job Centre Plus should have a Disability Employment Advisor at every branch who can support people with special needs who are claiming benefits and who are looking for work.
• Naturally Talented Me is a free to use website to help people to find jobs, work, and career opportunities by matching their talents and skills as defined by their hobbies and interests to jobs in Surrey. Following the input of some things about you, a SeeMe portfolio will be generated, this is the alternative to a traditional CV, not based on qualifications and education but about what interests you. You may have health issues, or a disability or caring responsibilities that can be taken into consideration when matching you to the right job opportunity that's suited to you.
• Work and Health programme is a scheme that helps people get and keep a job, where their disability can make it hard to work. Find out about the scheme through your local Job centre. You do not need to be getting benefits to apply.
• Access to work grant can be used by some people with disabilities for a variety of reasons, which can help them to travel or perform their work tasks.
• Surrey Choices EmployAbility helps to find work placements, training, volunteer opportunities and paid work for people who have autism or a learning, physical or sensory disability.
• Future Choices next steps for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities aged 16 to 24.