Moving into employment

All young people in secondary school will have a stable and structured programme of careers advice and guidance. The programme is delivered by people with the right skills and experience. 

There are lots of options open to you.

Supported internship​s

A supported internship is a college coursework placement where you learn skills to help you get a job.

The internship is for young people with an education and health care plan (EHCP). It takes 12 months to complete and aims to secure you a full-time job at the end of the year.​

For more information on supported Internships, head to the dedicated OxMe website.

Oxfordshire Supported Internship

The Oxfordshire Supported Internship is a partnership between: 

• Activate Learning 
• Abingdon and Witney College
• Oxfordshire Employment

Mencap Training Academy

​Mencap's supported internship and work experience opportunities can help young people make the transition from education to work​

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a wage while gaining skills and qualifications. You’ll work in a paid job provided by an employer, while a college or training provider supports your learning.

There are apprenticeships for all skill levels, from entry-level roles to advanced qualifications similar to university courses.

You must be 16 or older to start an apprenticeship. You can apply earlier as long as you’ll be 16 when it begins.

Apprentices are guaranteed at least the minimum apprenticeship wage, but many earn more. Pay usually increases after the first year and once you complete your apprenticeship.

As a young person with additional needs employers an trainers can offer extra support to help you succeed if you need it. Examples of this are:

• Entry requirements may be adjusted.
• Your employer or training provider may be able to access additional support.

Contact the employer or training provider to find out more.

To find out apprenticeships available in Oxfordshire, more information for support and more about apprenticeship and employment, head to oxme.

Developing your skills

There are many skills-based programmes available across the county. These programmes focus on getting further training in specific skills to help you move into work.

OxLep Skills

OxLep Skills works with local schools and colleges, training providers and employers to:

• inform and inspire young people
• create opportunities for work and training

OxLep Skills is part of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

Next steps to employment

It is important that you know and understand the next steps as you journey into the world of employment. This three-step resource from OxMe will help you know what to do next.

Oxfordshire Employment

Oxfordshire Employment supports anyone in the county whose disability or health is a barrier to finding or staying in work. Supported employment is the belief that anyone who wants to work can work with the right job and the proper support.

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus allows job-searchers to find a job using its resources:

• Jobpoints (touch-screen terminals)
• Jobseeker Direct (telephone service)

​​Jobcentre Plus is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It can give you advice about:

• applying for a national insurance number - which you will need if you start work 
• how to apply for benefits

Financial support to help you train

Access to Work

Access to Work is a grant scheme delivered by Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The awards they give take into account your individual needs.​ 

The scheme can assist you in paying for practical support to overcome workplace barriers.​ Access to work can pay for things such as:​

• specialist equipment​adaptations to equipment and workplace​
• a support worker of job coach​
• communication support​
• additional travel costs of getting to work if you are unable to use public transport or drive ​
• disability awareness training for employers about your specific condition​
• job coaches​

The 16-19 Bursary Fund

The 16-19 Bursary Fund supports the most financially disadvantaged 16 to 19-year-olds. The fund helps young people most in need with the costs of staying in education. 

If you have an EHCP, you can apply for funding from the bursary aged 19 and over.

If you are doing a supported internship, your employer can use the bursary to help pay for your:

• travel
• meals
• equipment

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

You may be able to get financial support to study from the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). Your amount will depend on your individual needs, but you do not need to pay it back.

SEND Live

Our SEND Live event is an excellent opportunity to talk to employers and support services to help with your journey. Look out on our website for when these events take place.