What after school? Ealing wants to open the way to work for young people with disabilities

Apprenticeships, supported traineeships and paid employment - these are the opportunities the Ealing SEND Partnership Charter aims to develop. The initiative was presented on September 7 at the University of West London during the visit of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. The most important thing for families now will be whether the declarations will translate into specific places.

Graduation is the moment when the question "what's next?" becomes very practical. Where will the young man spend his day? Who will help him learn new tasks? Will he find a job tailored to his capabilities?

A new partnership in Ealing aims to help create such opportunities. As Ealing.News reported on September 10, the event took place on the St Mary's Road campus. The initiative brings together the council, the university, business organizations and the Ealing SEND Network. Employers are expected to offer work experience, supported traineeships, apprenticeships and paid positions. Companies joining the partnership can benefit from assistance with candidate matching and workplace support. Source: Ealing.News

It is worth explaining what "supported internship" is mentioned in this initiative. According to the Department for Education, it is an apprenticeship-based educational program primarily intended for people aged 16-24 who have an EHC plan, often called an EHCP. The participant learns to perform tasks for the employer with the help of a specialist - a job coach.

This internship usually lasts from six months to a year. In itself, it does not guarantee a full-time position and does not have to be paid: the participant remains in education, and practice is part of learning. The goal of the program is to transition to sustainable, paid employment. This distinguishes it from apprenticeship, i.e. paid work combined with vocational training. Source: Department for Education

For parents and young people, this is a good time to ask about the career options available when talking to a school or college. It is worth determining who organizes the internship, what daily support looks like, travel arrangements and what the possibilities are after the program ends.

Not every person with a disability will need the same path. The plan for further life should also take into account health, communication, care and the young person's own goals. The value of the new partnership will therefore be determined not by the number of signatures alone, but by whether it will be possible to create places that meet various needs.