If you decide to stay in education, you can decide at age 16 whether you would like to stay on at your current school and go into post 16, if they are able to offer this, or you can move to another education provider (college, school or training provider). 

Areas of consideration:

• What are the hours?
• How many days a week is the course? (many college courses are 3 days a week, not 5)
• How will I get there?
• Do i have the entry requirements to get onto the course I would like to do?
• Can they meet my EHCP needs?

In order to get onto a course you may need entry requirements. This means you may need to already have some qualifications to a certain level before you can start the course. This table shows the different levels you can get, and how you might be able to achieve them. 

Qualification Type	Examples of how to achieve
Entry level 1, 2, and 3	Functional Skills, Kings Trust, Asdan, OCR units
Level 1	GCSE (Grade 3,2,1) Kings Trust Award, Asdan certificate, NVQ
Level 2	GCSE (Grade 9-4), Kings Trust Award, Asdan certificate, NVQ, Apprenticeship
Level 3	A level, Advanced Apprenticeship, BTEC, NVQ
Level 4 & 5	Foundation Degrees, Higher NVQ, BTEC, Professional Awards
Level 6	Bachelors Degree, Degree Apprenticeships, Graduate Diploma

 

"I had no idea that when you left school to go to a full-time college course that it would only be three days a week. It is important you find out all the details before you start, so you can manage your week"

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Helpful links

What is a training provider

What is a study programme

Specialist colleges – NATSPEC

In the UK, while a 16-year-old can work, they must still be engaged in education or training until they turn 18. This means they can't just leave school and work full-time at 16. They need to be participating in full-time education, an apprenticeship, or working a minimum of 20 hours per week with part-time training. 

Would you like to start working? Are you ready to take the next step into adulthood?

There comes a time when you might feel ready to leave school or college behind and explore the world of work. If you're reading this, you may already have some work experience or even completed a supported internship. If not, it’s a great idea to talk to a trusted adult about the options available to you.

Starting work can feel exciting but also a little nerve-wracking because it’s a big change from school or college. At work, you might have more freedom and independence, but it’s important to feel ready for this step. Speaking to trusted adults can help you decide if this is the right move for you.

There are many great employers out there, and hopefully, you’ve already started building connections with some of them. But knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help:

• Look for Disability Confident Employers: These employers are committed to supporting people with additional needs. You can search for jobs with them at gov.uk/jobsearch.
• Use Helpful Guides: There are many resources available to guide you through the process of finding and applying for jobs.
• Be Patient and Persistent: You might not get your dream job straight away, and that’s okay! Facing rejection is part of the journey. Every experience helps you move closer to your future goals.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone—there are people and resources to support you every step of the way.

Preparing for Your New Job

Congratulations if you have secured a job! This is an amazing achievement, and you should be really proud of yourself for making it this far. The process of finding a job—filling out applications, attending interviews, and searching for the right opportunity—can take time and effort. Well done for staying determined and seeing it through!

To help you prepare for your first day at work, here are some tips and resources:

• Be Ready for Your First Day: It’s normal to feel nervous, but planning ahead can help. Make sure you know what time you need to start, what to bring, and what to wear.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about anything, like your working hours, pay, or what your day will involve, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s completely normal, and your employer will be happy to help.
• Establish if there is any support you need: You may have a health or additional need that you may need some additional support with. Please make sure you have informed your key point of contact at work about this. You may be able to apply some additional funding to make the workplace more accessible for you.
• Explore Helpful Guides: Check out resources that can help you understand what to expect in the workplace and how to make a great first impression.

Remember, everyone feels a little unsure when starting something new, but with time, you’ll settle in and find your rhythm. Good luck—you’ve got this!

Helpful links

Communication Passport | QCS

Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

Job centre support

Access to Work Communication support at a job interview

CV template

Starting Work Easy read

health-adjustment-passport.pdf

Get help from Access to Work (Easy Read)

Self-employment | Worcestershire County Council

At 18 other options become available including Adult Social Care, please note if an education provider is not named the EHCP will be ceased at this time, and is very unlikely to be reinstated again after this time.

Volunteering means giving your time to help others – without being paid.
It can be big or small, like helping at an event, supporting a local charity, or even just being a friendly face for someone who needs company.

Anyone can be a volunteer – and every bit of help makes a difference.

• Learn New Skills : You can try new things like helping people, working in a team, using computers, or talking to customers.
• Build Confidence: Doing something helpful and getting positive feedback can make you feel proud and more confident.
•  Meet New People: You’ll make new friends and feel part of your local community.
•  Gain Work Experience: Volunteering shows you are reliable and ready to take on responsibility – great for your CV or future job.
•  Make a Difference: Your time and kindness can change someone’s day – or even their life.

 “I never thought I could volunteer, but I love it. I help once a week and feel like I belong.”

– Jamie, young volunteer

Want to Try Volunteering?

Northamptonshire: Local volunteering opportunities near Northampton, Northamptonshire - Get Volunteering

Leicestershire: Volunteering | Leicestershire County Council

Warwickshire:Volunteering – Warwickshire County Council

A supported internship is a work placement for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). At Creating Tomorrow we have our own supported internship programme with a 100% success rate. For more information please visit Creating Tomorrow College 

I was so ready to leave school, and was desperate to get a job, but I was worried I was not going to be as good as everyone else and applying for a job is scary!  Instead, I went to Creating Tomorrow College, and with help from the amazing job coaches and team, I did a supporting internship, and i loved it! I am now in full-time paid employment, and have so much more confidence.

- Creating Tomorrow's College learner class of 2024

Alternatively, you can access a supported internship through another training provider such as 

• Supported internships - Shaw Trust
• Northamptonshire supported internship | Mencap Training Academy

Why Try a Supported Internship?

• Real Work Experience -You’ll try out a real job with real tasks – in a safe and supported way.
• Learn New Skills -You can learn things like timekeeping, teamwork, communication, and job-specific tasks.
• Get Help to Succeed -You’ll have support from a job coach or tutor who understands your needs.
• Move Towards Paid Work -It’s a great step towards getting a paid job in the future.
• Feel Proud - You’ll grow in confidence and feel good about what you can do.

What to expect and what you need to access a supported internship?

• Be aged between 18-24 years old
• You must have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
• Have an ability and desire to want to gain employment
• Be willing/able to access public transport.

Things to know:

• You won’t be paid, but you’ll be learning on the job – just like in real work.
• You will still be recieving education but this will take place on your placement.
• A job coach or mentor is there to help you succeed.

Helpful Links

Internships Work: All Tools & Resources - NDTi

Association of Employment and Training providers

What is an apprenticeship video

An apprenticeship is a paid job with training. This is a good natural progression from when you have completed your supported internship. Lots of employers offer apprenticeships. Usually you work part of the week and learn the rest – and you get a qualification too!

Apprenticeships are for people of all abilities. Some are made specially for young people with SEND. Watch this space. A new apprenticeship is on its way, Foundation Apprenticeships! More information is coming soon.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

•  Earn While You Learn -You’ll get paid while you learn new skills.
•  Get a Qualification -You’ll work towards a certificate or diploma in a real job.
•  Start a Career -An apprenticeship is a great way to begin a long-term job path.
•  Support is Available - Apprenticeships can be adapted to support your learning and needs.
•  Workplace Confidence -You’ll build skills, independence, and self-belief.

Helpful Links

Student - Amazing Apprenticeships

Parent - Amazing Apprenticeships

Choices Magazines