Employer engagement

This report provides practical insights from Careers Leaders about how to deliver meaningful workplace experiences for young people in secondary schools, colleges and special schools. It is targeted at schools and colleges seeking ideas for how to improve their provision.

Produced in 2017 this paper describes the evidence base for transition programmes for young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Schools, colleges and providers of careers and enterprise programmes are invited to use this evidence to inform the programmes that they are running and developing.

Example strategic careers plan from The Link School, Sunderland (AP).

This strategy covers 2021-2024 and was updated January 2021.

The strategy outlines the school’s vision for careers and the main aims of careers provision at the school.

Detail includes: vision, SWOT analysis strategic objectives and key actions. The School’s Provider Access policy is also included.

This portal lists organisations that have activities that meet Gatsby Benchmark 5 (encounters with employers and employees) and Benchmark 6 (experience of workplaces).

Through the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022, the Department for Education (DfE) strengthened the provider access legislation to specify that schools must provide at least six encounters for all their pupils, during school years 8-13. 

To support schools and providers, the DfE has compiled a collection of good practice examples and case studies of how the statutory duty applies in practice to enable schools and providers to understand the new legal requirements.

Developed by the National SEND Employment Forum these videos are aimed at introducing learners with special educational needs and disabilities (although they are not exclusive to this group) to an array of jobs and sectors.

A practical guide to help employers provide workplace experiences, including supported internships and supported apprenticeships, for young people with SEND.

This report provides practical insights from Careers Leaders about how to deliver meaningful encounters with further and higher education for young people in secondary schools, colleges and special schools. It is targeted at schools and colleges seeking ideas for how to improve their provision.

SPARK+ is a unique service that combines the Spark Careers App with 1:1 CEIAG education delivered by our team of specialist SEND-trained careers advisors. The service is specifically designed to support students with SEND, home-educated students, and those who cannot access mainstream careers guidance.

Careers Leader Induction: Free Online Learning

Guided Learning Hours: 2-4 hours

My Employment Passport, winner of the CDI's Post-16 Career Programme of the Year 2022, is a 30-module course that raises the employment aspirations for young people with additional needs whilst inspiring their teachers, tutors, supporters, parents, and future employers too. 

If you are working to deliver the Gatsby Benchmarks for young people with SEND – in any setting – you will find lots of practical help in this toolkit.