Routes into employment

Support to help you into work

There are many ways to start your journey into employment. You might begin with work experience, volunteering, or training. You might need extra support. Whatever your path, there are options to help you succeed.

If you have special educational needs or a disability, you can get help to find a job that suits your strengths.

Work experience or volunteering

Work experience helps you learn what it’s like to be in a job. You can:

• Help in a shop, office, café or library
• Learn how to be on time, follow instructions and work with others

Volunteering builds confidence and skills. You could:

• Help at a charity shop or animal shelter
• Support a local event or community group

Find local opportunities at Oxfordshire Volunteers or Vinspired

Supported internships for young people with SEND

Supported internships are for young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). You:

• Work with an employer, like a hospital or office
• Get help from a job coach
• Learn skills for real jobs
• Spend some time at college

These usually last one year and aim to help you get a paid job.

Learn more at Oxfordshire Supported Internships or visit OxME Supported Internships

Earn while you learn with apprenticeships

An apprenticeship means:

• You get a real job
• You earn money
• You learn skills and get a qualification

You’ll work most of the week and study part-time (usually one day a week). Apprenticeships are available in:

• Business
• Construction
• Childcare
• IT
• Hospitality

Find local apprenticeships at OxME or https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

If you have SEND, employers and training providers can offer extra support like a job coach or changes to entry requirements.

Services that can help you find a job

You don’t have to do it alone. These services can help:

• Oxfordshire Employment – helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. They support with CVs, interviews and work.
• Jobcentre Plus – offers advice, job listings and help with benefits.
• Scope and Mencap – national charities offering job support for young people with SEND. Mencap Internships

Financial support to help you work or study

You may be able to get help with costs:

• Access to Work– a government grant that helps pay for travel, equipment or a support worker.
• 16–19 Bursary Fund – helps with travel, meals and equipment if you’re in education or training. Learn more
• Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) – helps with study costs if you go to university. Apply for DSA

Plan your next steps

• OxLEP Skills – offers training and career advice in Oxfordshire.
• OxME’s   3 Steps to Employment– a simple guide to help you plan your journey into work
• SEND Live Events – meet employers and support services in person. Look out for updates on the Local Offer website.

Your rights and decisions

From age 16, you have the right to make your own decisions. Your family and carers can still support you, but the choices are yours.

•  Your rights to make decisions
• Childline – Your Rights
• PASS Scheme – Prove Your Age