EMPLOYERS are being urged to take advantage of a talent pool, largely untapped, by joining a new scheme from Warwickshire County Council.
The authority has introduced an Inclusive Apprenticeship programme to support people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
The programme means training and qualification opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), will be broader and could unlock new employment and career paths which may not have been accessible before.
The pilot scheme will initially support young people into customer service apprenticeship roles as soon as June, but employers are asked to consider how a talented person with SEND could enhance their business.
The county council is working with the Mencap charity and DFN Project Search – a transition-to-work programme, committed to transforming the lives of young people with learning and disabilities and autism.
Mencap has a dedicated employer engagement team to assist employers with any queries they may have around taking on talented young people with SEND. The programme also offers a dedicated job coach to work alongside each apprentice, supporting them to establish in their role until they are confident to work independently.
The Inclusive Apprenticeships scheme adds to the work already ongoing locally to support young people with SEND. In 2019, the Supportive Employer forum was created by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and the Careers Enterprise Company to providing internships and work experience with businesses for learners at Warwickshire’s special schools and colleges.
WCC leader Izzi Seccombe said: “The Inclusive Apprenticeships scheme is a win-win. At a time when businesses in a number of sectors are affected by serious skills shortages, this is a great opportunity for them to recruit young people with the potential and passion to learn.
“For the apprentices, this scheme will open the door to careers which enables them to fulfil their potential and contribute greatly to businesses as much-valued employees. I would encourage all employers to think about how a talented young person with SEND could benefit their business.”
