Businesses and employers across Dorset are invited to take part in a free 90-minute event designed to introduce SEND in the workplace.
The virtual event takes place on Thursday 27 May, 4pm to 5.30pm and is another chance for Dorset based companies to find out about the wide variety of career and future pathways of young people with a Special Educational Need &/or Disability (SEND), including opportunities for work-related employment training that is available.
Young people may be overlooked for jobs because of a disability or additional needs despite being skilled and ready to work. Dorset needs more employers & businesses to get on board and offer the same opportunities to our young people with SEND. There will be opportunities to hear ‘real life’ stories about the different types of careers & future pathways that young people with SEND in Dorset can take.
Dorset Careers Hub, part of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), have organised the event, in partnership with Dorset Council, BCP Council and The Careers and Enterprise Company, to show you how you can support young people with SEND achieve their future pathways.
The agenda for the day:
- What support is there for Businesses and Employers? (DWP, Access to Work)
- Opportunities for work-related employment training
- Dorset Young People with SEND ‘tell’ their real-life stories
- Employers already recruiting young people with SEND share their insights and success stories
- Opportunity for questions
Here are some comments from the first event in April:
“I listened to the presentation and I have to say I had no idea how much support there is out there for these young adults. Amazing.”
“Very informative!”
“This event was very well organised, and the resources are really useful. “
“Keep doing more.”
One of our young presenters for the day said: “I feel like a SEN superstar.”
Cllr Andrew Parry said: “We respect and value your time and acknowledge this is a potentially busy time of year as COVID-related guidelines start to relax. These events have been designed to only take an hour and a half, but that quick session has potentially significant results for your business. Plus, we’re hosting this completely digitally, so you don’t need to leave your existing work environment.”
Steve Williams, Careers Hub Lead, said: “Dorset businesses understand that young people with SEND should have local pathways towards careers and independent living, and they know that it is rewarding in many ways to offer opportunities and support. We know they often feel unsure how to engage with schools to tailor their student engagement and work experience appropriately. This event will go a long way to provide clarity and confidence.”
Elaine Redding, BCP Council’s Interim Corporate Director, Children’s Services, said: “BCP Council is proud to work as an employer and with other employers, to champion the value that young people with SEND add to the workplace. We are encouraging more employers in BCP and pan-Dorset, to offer work experience, employment and supported internships to local young people with additional needs. Their contribution to their employers is immense.”
The event is free, and you can sign up here
