Employment and training

All young people should continue in education or training until they are 18. If you decide to move into employment there are different routes you can choose.

Careers advice

Your current school or college must have someone who provides careers guidance to pupils. You can speak to your school or college to find out who provides this.

The National Careers Service can help young people with SEND to find the right training or employment. There's also advice on building skills for moving into training and employment.

Supported internships

Supported Internships are work-based learning placements. They are for young people aged 16-24, with learning disabilities and autism, who have a current Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) who 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 Internships are available through Walsall College, Juniper Training.

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Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. By the end of an apprenticeship, you will have the skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

Walsall Works can help you find out more about apprenticeships, where to find them and how to apply. You'll find more information on Walsall Councils Endless Possibilities apprenticeship programme and case studies from apprentices who have shared their experiences.

Mencap offers traineeships and apprenticeships. Their traineeship programme helps young people to develop skills and experience needed to move into work or an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship programme supports people with a learning disability to progress into paid work.

Help with looking for work

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

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

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

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.

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. 

Work Choice is a voluntary Work and Health programme from Job Centre plus for disabled people. It can help you find work by giving you training, interview coaching and skills development.