Pathways to work

Last Updated: 12th November 2020


In the picture below, it shows the 4 different strands in the life of a young person preparing for adulthood. This page deals with preparing to work and options after school or college.

Preparing for Adulthood, 5 pathways model

Explanation of all the routes: Learning, Training and Work Pathway (PDF)


Education, Training, Employment and Advice

Education

  • Further Education Providers To find out about more about the Further Education providers in West Sussex.


    Employment

  • Job Centre Plus to find out what jobs may suit you and how to apply for them.

  • Disability Employment Advisers (Job Centre) Disability Support Advisers, provided through the Job Centre, can give you help and support regardless of your situation. They can help you find work, or to gain new skills if you have no work experience. Can provide an Employment Assessment which produces an action plan to help you achieve your job goals.

  • REMPLOY REMPLOY is the UK’s leading supplier of employment opportunities for disabled people, providing jobs and training.


    Training

  • Routes into Work for young people with Special Educational Need and Disability age 16 to 24 (PDF)

  • Camelia Botnar Foundation We endeavour to train and educate 16-21 year olds who are in problematic situations at home due to circumstances outside of their control. They are enabled to improve conditions in their lives and to develop as individuals. We offer life changing opportunities, gaining a second chance at success and learning a skilled trade, obtaining qualifications and building up some savings.

  • Enham Trust Provides a range of services to enable people with disabilities or additional needs gain the skills and knowledge they require to make life changes. Helps people live more independent lives by gaining employment.

  • The Prince’s Trust Helps 14-30 year olds through training, mentoring and by providing financial assistance. The Trust helps to build confidence and work skills, work as a team, start a business or find employment


    Information, Advice and Support

  • The West Sussex SEND Information, Advice and Support Service provides impartial information, advice and support to children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, up to and including age 25.

  • EmployAbility Works with disabled university students and graduates to ease the transition from education into employment. Offers free support, advice and guidance throughout the entire recruitment process and beyond. Also runs a wide range of internships and graduate recruitment programmes on behalf of public sector organisations.

  • Prospects Employment Support The National Autistic Society’s employment and training service for people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who wish to work. Includes job preparation courses, in-work support and student support. Also works with employers to help with the recruitment, training and retention of staff with ASD.


    Resources For Employers


    Reasonable adjustments

    You must always discuss any recommendations with the person concerned. The law does not require you to implement adjustments that are not reasonable but it is your responsibility to make that assessment. The following questions will help you to make an objective assessment whether a recommended or requested adjustment is reasonable.

    • How effective will the adjustment be in preventing the disadvantage? For example, dyslexia can impact on the person’s organisational skills, adjusting their hours to part time will not address the problem.
    • How practical is it to make the adjustment? For example, if the recommendation is for a particular piece of software, is this compatible with all of the other software used by the individual?
    • Can the adjustment be sustained in the longer term? For example, if the recommendation is for the individual to undertake “light duties” how will this impact on the operational resilience of the service?
    • What effect, if any, will the adjustment have on other employees?
    • Would making the particular adjustment result in unacceptable risks to the health & safety of any person (including the person with the disability)?
    • Would making the adjustment reduce a health & safety risk to anyone (including the person with the disability)?
    • What, if any, disruption will be caused by making the adjustment?
    • Are there any financial and other costs, and are these reasonable?
    • Is financial or other assistance available to help make the adjustment, e.g. from Access to Work?
    • Does the person want to make the adjustments? If the person does not agree to making the only adjustments etc If the person refuses to co-operate with the only adjustments that are reasonable, you do not have a duty to do more.