Pathways to employment

Pathways to employment are different routes you can take to help you get the skills, confidence and experience you need to get a job one day. 

These can include:

  • apprenticeships
  • traineeship
  • supported internships
  • training courses
  • supported employment programmes
  • volunteering 

You can explore these options depending on what you're interested in and what support you need.

Study programmes (Entry Level or Level 1)

If you're not ready for a Level 2 course yet, you might join a study programme, which can include:

  • English, maths and ICT
  • work‑related learning
  • independent living skills
  • working with others
  • functional skills

This is a great way to build your confidence and prepare for your next step.

These tend to be delivered at Post 16 providers: 

Apprenticeships - learn while you earn

An apprenticeship is a real job where you:

  • work and get paid
  • learn skills for a specific career
  • study for part of your working week (usually at college or with a training provider) 

You can do an apprenticeship at different levels, and it can take 1 to 6 years, depending on the type and level of course. They’re open to lots of different ages and even people who already have qualifications.

Find out more about:

Traineeships - try out new skills

A traineeship is a short course that helps you get ready for work or an apprenticeship.

It includes real work experience so you can try out a job, build your confidence and learn new skills. 

They can also support young people with EHCPs and tailor learning to your needs.

Most traineeships last less than 6 months, but they can be anywhere from 6 weeks up to 1 year.

For the latest information, you can also look at:

Supported internships and supported employment

Supported internships are for young people who want to move towards employment but need extra support. You’ll spend most of your time learning in a real workplace with help from a job coach.

They are for young people aged 16-24, who have a current education, health and care plan (EHCP) and are work-ready. Supported internship placements are unpaid work.

Placements should last between 6-9 months and are up to 3 days a week. You'll also develop your maths, English, customer service and work engagement skills in an educational setting.

Supported employment programmes help you:

  • learn job skills
  • travel safely
  • build confidence
  • move closer to paid work 

Supported internships are available through:

You may be eligible for additional support through the Access to Work Scheme if your supported internship is approved by the Department for Education (DfE). 

Volunteering opportunities

Volunteering can help you to gain new skills and experience. It can increase self-esteem and improve wellbeing, and is a great way to meet new people.

Volunteering with Walsall Council

Help looking for work

Walsall Works work with local employers and agencies and can give you advice and support to help you find work.

The Link Walsall is a one‑stop, drop‑in hub in Walsall town centre that supports residents with employment, training, careers advice and wider wellbeing needs. Its purpose is to help people move closer to work, develop new skills, and access practical support.

Support To Work from SCOPE is a free online and telephone support programme for disabled people in England and Wales, who are looking for paid work. This is not a face-to-face service, so may not be right for everyone.

Thrive into Work is a free employment support service that provides a personalised approach to helping people age 16+ who experience health problems, have a disability, have difficulties sustaining work, or finding employment. 

Job Centre plus has Disability Employment Advisors who can help you find a job, gain new skills and tell you about disability-friendly employers in your area.

Access to Work is a government scheme that gives young people with disabilities or health conditions extra support to start a job, stay in a job, or do work experience. It’s there to help with the things that make working harder for you because of your condition.

Mencap have produced some easy read guides which can help you to:

  • look for work
  • apply for jobs
  • go to interviews
  • start work